Kernel Module Dynamic Dependency Interposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kernel module loading mechanisms require recompilation and reloading of kernel modules whenever dependencies change, which is inefficient and inflexible, especially when multiple definitions of kernel symbols are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically update kernel module dependencies by using a preload module to create a dynamic dependency list, install a hook in the kernel runtime loader, and update the static dependency list with dynamic dependencies, allowing dependencies to be changed without recompiling the kernel module, and enabling multiple kernel symbol definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If kernel modules are recompiled and reloaded whenever dependencies change, then dependency updates are supported, but system efficiency decreases and loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic dependency resolution mechanism that allows kernel module dependencies to be updated at runtime without requiring recompilation. The system maintains a dynamic dependency list that can be modified during operation, enabling flexible updates to module relationships while preserving loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a preload module as an intermediary component that resolves dependencies before the actual kernel module is loaded. This mediator pre-processes dependency information and updates the static dependency list, allowing the main loading process to proceed efficiently without repeated recompilation cycles.
2Ease of manufacture
If static dependency lists are used in kernel modules, then loading process is simple, but flexibility to change dependencies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing dependency information in a preload module before the actual module loading occurs. The static dependency list is updated in advance with dynamic dependency information, so that when the module is loaded, the system already has the correct dependency relationships established, maintaining simplicity while enabling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dependency resolution process into separate components: a preload module that handles dynamic dependency collection and a main loading process that uses the pre-updated static dependency list. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, with the preload module handling flexibility and the loading process maintaining simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple definitions of kernel symbols are allowed, then symbol resolution flexibility improves, but symbol conflict management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism in the preload module that collects dependency information from kernel modules and uses this feedback to update the static dependency list. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically manage symbol conflicts by resolving them before loading, reducing the complexity of symbol conflict management while maintaining flexibility in symbol definitions.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, the invention relates to a method for loading a kernel module. The method involves loading a preload module into a kernel. Loading the preload module includes creating a dynamic dependency list. Loading the kernel module further includes loading the kernel module comprising a static dependency list into the kernel, and triggering a hook when the static dependency list is reviewed. The module information associated with the kernel is obtained using the hook. Loading the kernel module further includes searching for a dynamic dependency associated with the kernel module in the dynamic dependency list using the module information, and updating the static dependency list with the dynamic dependency to obtain an updated static dependency list if the dynamic dependency associated with the kernel module is present in the dynamic dependency list.