Kernel Mitigation Module for Vulnerability Protection

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a security server and kernel module that automatically manages the distribution, installation, and configuration of mitigation programs. This intermediary handles the complexity of managing multiple CVEs and coordinates between user-space security tools and kernel-space mitigation, thereby improving system security while preventing the end user from experiencing the complexity of manual mitigation management.

The kernel module is designed to autonomously receive mitigation programs from the security server, validate them, install them in the kernel, and manage their execution without requiring privileged administration rights or manual intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically maintain security updates and mitigations, improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.

The patent implements preliminary action by having the kernel module pre-configured with the capability to receive and install mitigation programs without requiring administrative rights at the time of installation. The module is designed in advance to operate with elevated privileges only when necessary for initial kernel loading, while subsequent mitigation installations can be performed by standard user-space applications, thereby maintaining protection effectiveness while improving ease of operation.

The security server acts as an intermediary that communicates with the kernel module through a predefined interface, allowing user-space applications to request and receive mitigation programs without needing administrative rights. The kernel module mediates between these user-space requests and the kernel installation process, enabling effective mitigation deployment while simplifying the user operation.

The patent implements the disposable principle by designing mitigation programs as temporary, isolated kernel modules that can be loaded, executed, and unloaded without permanent modification to the kernel. Each mitigation program is a self-contained object that performs its protective function and can be removed when no longer needed, thereby blocking vulnerability exploitation while minimizing the impact on kernel integrity and stability.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mitigation functionality into separate, isolated kernel modules rather than integrating them into the core kernel. Each mitigation program operates as an independent segment that can be managed separately, loaded only when needed, and removed without affecting the rest of the kernel, thus providing security against attacks while preserving kernel integrity.