Interpreter Exploit Detection via Interception Point Frameworks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current malware detection systems struggle to effectively detect and classify exploit attacks, particularly those targeting script interpreters operating in kernel mode, as these attacks often exploit vulnerabilities by performing anomalous activities that are difficult to identify early on, leading to potential compromise of electronic devices and networks.
Innovation Solution
A threat detection system utilizing interception point frameworks, including hook and instrumentation frameworks, to monitor and intercept API calls and script processing activities within virtual machines, allowing for the detection of anomalous behavior that exceeds expected functionality, thereby identifying potential exploit attacks on interpreters operating in both user and kernel modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If script interpreters operate in kernel mode with unrestricted access to system resources, then the interpreter can execute scripts with complete functionality, but the system becomes vulnerable to exploit attacks that can compromise the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by introducing separate interception point frameworks (hook framework and instrumentation framework) that operate independently from the script interpreter. These frameworks intercept and monitor API calls and interpreter activities separately, allowing the interpreter to maintain full functionality while security monitoring is performed by distinct components that can detect anomalous behaviors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary monitoring frameworks between the script interpreter and the system resources. The hook framework intercepts API calls as intermediaries, and the instrumentation framework monitors interpreter activities as intermediaries. These intermediaries enable security monitoring without requiring the interpreter itself to have reduced capabilities, thus maintaining adaptability while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the system monitors all API calls and interpreter activities for security detection, then exploit attacks can be detected early, but the system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into two distinct frameworks: the hook framework for intercepting API calls and the instrumentation framework for monitoring interpreter activities. This segmentation allows each framework to specialize in specific monitoring tasks, improving detection capability while managing complexity through modular architecture where each framework can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than monitoring all possible system activities exhaustively, the patent implements partial monitoring focused on specific API calls and interpreter activities that are most indicative of exploit attacks. The hook framework monitors specific API interception points, and the instrumentation framework monitors specific interpreter activities, providing sufficient detection coverage without the overhead of comprehensive monitoring of all system operations.
3Productivity
If the system translates bytecode to native code without security consideration, then script execution is efficient and straightforward, but vulnerabilities in the interpreter can be exploited to perform unauthorized operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing security monitoring frameworks before exploit attacks can succeed. The hook framework intercepts API calls in advance, and the instrumentation framework monitors interpreter activities beforehand. This preliminary monitoring detects anomalous behaviors that indicate exploit attempts, preventing harmful factors from affecting the system even though the bytecode-to-native-code translation remains efficient and straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
For one embodiment, a computerized method for detecting exploit attacks on an interpreter comprises configuring a virtual machine including a user mode and a kernel mode and processing an object by an application operating in the user mode of the virtual machine. Responsive to the processing of the object, detecting a loading of an interpreter. Furthermore, responsive to the loading of the interpreter, inserting one or more intercept points for detecting one or more types of software calls from the interpreter or for detecting a certain type or certain types of activities occurring within the interpreter. Thereafter, an exploit attack is detected as being conducted by the object in response to the interpreter invoking a software call that corresponds to the one or more types of software calls that is considered anomalous when invoked by the interpreter or an anomalous activity being conducted within the interpreter.