Virtual Address Reconstruction via Memory Transmission Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, the challenge arises when multiple software applications concurrently access the same memory address, leading to malfunctions and crashes, as existing memory management technologies struggle to effectively translate virtual addresses back to their original physical addresses, especially in multi-operating system environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that intercepts memory transmissions, identifies page table address calls, and retrieves the virtual address from these calls by utilizing the least significant bits of the physical address, along with knowledge of page table steps and translation table base registers, to reconstruct the original virtual address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual addresses are used to allow multiple applications to access memory concurrently, then system reliability is improved, but the complexity of address translation and retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by intercepting and storing page table address calls in advance. The monitor captures the chronological sequence of page table accesses and stores them for later analysis, enabling virtual address retrieval without adding complexity to the real-time translation process.
Solution Approach 2:
A monitor acts as an intermediary between the memory system and the analysis tool. It intercepts transmissions to and from memory, identifies page table address calls, and provides the necessary information for virtual address retrieval without interfering with the normal memory translation operations.
2Measurement precision
If page table address calls are intercepted and analyzed to retrieve virtual addresses, then measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time due to processing intercepted data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor continuously intercepts and stores page table address calls in chronological order during system operation. This preliminary capture of data eliminates the need for real-time processing when virtual address retrieval is needed, as all necessary information is already recorded and organized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing page table address calls that are already being generated during normal operation. By analyzing these naturally occurring calls rather than generating separate probe calls, the system retrieves virtual addresses without adding extra processing time to the memory access path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple operating systems with separate translation tables, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple translation table base registers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor is designed with universal functionality that works across multiple operating systems. It intercepts page table address calls regardless of which OS is active and can retrieve virtual addresses using the appropriate translation table base register for the current context, making the system adaptable to different OS environments without requiring separate mechanisms for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the intercepted page table address calls to determine which translation table base register to use. By analyzing the chronological sequence of calls and the current system state, the monitor automatically selects the correct translation table context, simplifying the management of multiple OS translation tables.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for retrieving a virtual address from a physical address accesses in a memory of a computing system, to which that virtual address was previously mapped to, may include: using a monitor to intercept transmissions to and from a memory of a computing system; using a processor: identifying in the intercepted transmissions page table address calls relating to mapping of a virtual address to a physical address; and retrieving the virtual address from the identified page table address calls.