Memory Protection System for Self-Modifying Code Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating systems fail to effectively prevent self-modifying processes from introducing and executing malicious instructions within memory ranges allocated with read-write-execute permissions, allowing them to evade detection and cause undesirable behavior.
Innovation Solution
A memory protection system intercepts and modifies memory protection attribute requests to limit processes to read and write permissions, detecting and handling faults to determine if instructions are malicious, and emulating self-modifying behavior to assess and mitigate potential threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If memory is allocated with read-write-execute permissions to allow process flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but security against self-modifying malicious code deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory protection into multiple attributes (read, write, execute) and applies them dynamically. Instead of a single monolithic permission set, the system divides protection into granular components that can be independently controlled and modified based on process behavior, allowing flexible yet secure memory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic memory protection attributes that change based on process behavior. The system transitions from static permission allocation to dynamic adjustment, where memory attributes are modified in response to detected process actions, enabling the system to adapt security levels during runtime without compromising initial process flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If memory protection attributes are strictly enforced to prevent malicious code execution, then security is improved, but adaptability of legitimate self-modifying processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the process and memory that monitors and mediates access requests. This intermediary component evaluates process behavior and determines whether to allow or block memory operations, enabling legitimate self-modifying processes to function while blocking malicious code execution through intelligent intermediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes memory protection parameters dynamically based on process behavior analysis. Instead of maintaining fixed protection attributes, the system adjusts parameters like read, write, and execute permissions in response to detected process actions, allowing legitimate adaptation while maintaining security through parameter transformation.
3Ease of operation
If memory protection attributes are modified in response to process requests to allow legitimate operations, then ease of operation is improved, but detection of malicious behavior becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors process requests for memory attribute modifications and uses this information to detect anomalous behavior. The feedback loop analyzes patterns in request frequency, timing, and nature to distinguish between legitimate operations and malicious attempts, enabling detection despite attribute modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of process behavior before allowing memory attribute modifications. By establishing baseline behavior patterns and evaluating requests against these patterns in advance, the system can identify potentially malicious actions before they execute, maintaining ease of operation for legitimate processes while preventing malicious behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
Executable memory space is protected by receiving, from a process, a request to configure a portion of memory with a memory protection attribute that allows the process to perform at least one memory operation on the portion of the memory. Thereafter, the request is responded to with a grant, configuring the portion of memory with a different memory protection attribute than the requested memory protection attribute. The different memory protection attribute restricting the at least one memory operation from being performed by the process on the portion of the memory. In addition, it is detected when the process attempts, in accordance with the grant, the at least one memory operation at the configured portion of memory. Related systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also disclosed.