System and method for enforcing security policies in a virtual environment
View Patent ↗A method in one example implementation includes intercepting a request associated with an execution of an object (e.g., a kernel module or a binary) in a computer configured to operate in a virtual machine environment. The request is associated with a privileged domain of the computer that operates logically below one or more operating systems. The method also includes verifying an authorization of the object by computing a checksum for the object and comparing the checksum to a plurality of stored checksums in a memory element. The execution of the object is denied if it is not authorized. In other embodiments, the method can include evaluating a plurality of entries within the memory element of the computer, wherein the entries include authorized binaries and kernel modules. In other embodiments, the method can include intercepting an attempt from a remote computer to execute code from a previously authorized binary.
1. A method, comprising:
intercepting, by a security layer, a request for an execution of an object in a computer wherein the request for the execution is from a user space of a privileged domain;
verifying an authorization of the object by linking a particular module into a kernel space associated with the privileged domain, wherein the particular module is configured to compute a checksum for the object, access an inventory of a plurality of stored checksums in a memory element, and compare the checksum to the plurality of stored checksums; and
denying the execution of the object if it is not authorized;
wherein the security layer is in a kernel of a privileged domain of a computer configured to operate in a virtual machine environment, wherein the privileged domain of the computer manages a virtual machine monitor (VMM) and operates at a higher priority than one or more guest operating systems.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
evaluating a plurality of entries within the memory element of the computer, wherein the entries include authorized binaries and kernel modules.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
intercepting an attempt from a remote computer to execute code from a previously authorized binary; and
evaluating an origination address of a hypercall associated with the code before executing the code.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the object is a kernel module or a binary.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the verifying of the authorization of the object includes comparing the object to an inventory of authorized objects stored in a user space of the computer, and wherein a log is created if the execution of the object is not authorized.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the object is a kernel module that is interacting with a hypercall, which attempts to access one or more privileged domain areas within the computer.
7. A logic encoded in one or more tangible non-transitory media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor is operable to perform operations comprising:
intercepting, by a security layer, a request for an execution of an object in a computer wherein the request for the execution is from a user space of a privileged domain;
verifying an authorization of the object by linking a particular module into a kernel space associated with the privileged domain, wherein the particular module is configured to compute a checksum for the object, access an inventory of a plurality of stored checksums in a memory element, and compare the checksum to the plurality of stored checksums; and
denying the execution of the object if it is not authorized;
wherein the security layer is configured to operate in a kernel of a privileged domain of a computer configured to operate in a virtual machine environment, wherein the privileged domain of the computer is configured to manage a virtual machine monitor (VMM) and operate at a higher priority than one or more guest operating systems.
8. The logic of claim 7 , the processor being operable to perform operations comprising:
evaluating a plurality of entries within the memory element of the computer, wherein the entries include authorized binaries and kernel modules.
9. The logic of claim 7 , the processor being operable to perform operations comprising:
intercepting an attempt from a remote computer to execute code from a previously authorized binary; and
evaluating an origination address of a hypercall associated with the code before executing the code.
10. The logic of claim 7 , wherein the object is a kernel module or a binary.
11. The logic of claim 7 , wherein the object is a kernel module that is interacting with a hypercall, which attempts to access one or more privileged domain areas within the computer.
12. The logic of claim 7 , wherein the verifying of the authorization of the object includes comparing the object to an inventory of authorized objects stored in a user space of the computer, and wherein a log is created if the execution of the object is not authorized.
13. An apparatus, comprising:
a virtual machine element;
a memory element configured to store data; and
a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, wherein the virtual machine element is configured to:
intercept, by a security layer, a request for an execution of an object in a computer wherein the request for the execution is from a user space of a privileged domain;
verify an authorization of the object by linking a particular module into a kernel space associated with the privileged domain, wherein the particular module is configured to compute a checksum for the object, access an inventory of a plurality of stored checksums in a memory element, and compare the checksum to the plurality of stored checksums; and
deny the execution of the object if it is not authorized;
wherein the security layer is configured to operate in a kernel of a privileged domain of a computer configured to operate in a virtual machine environment, wherein the privileged domain of the computer is configured to manage a virtual machine monitor (VMM) and operate at a higher priority than one or more guest operating systems.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the virtual machine element is further configured to:
evaluate a plurality of entries within the memory element of the computer, wherein the entries include authorized binaries and kernel modules.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the virtual machine element is further configured to:
intercept an attempt from a remote computer to execute code from a previously authorized binary; and
evaluate an origination address of a hypercall associated with the code before executing the code.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the object is a kernel module or a binary.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the object is a kernel module that is interacting with a hypercall, which attempts to access one or more privileged domain areas within the computer.