Virtualizing rootkits and the future of system security
Virtual Malware
© davorr, Fotolia
A new generation of rootkits avoids detection by virtualizing the compromised system – and the user doesn't notice a thing.
In the typical cat-and-mouse game of attackers and defenders, the aim of the game is to gain or keep control of the operating system (see Figure 1). Legacy malware tries to escalate privileges and, if possible, to run in ring 0, the operating system's kernel mode. Once it gets there, the exploit, and thus the attacker, can manipulate the system.
Virtualization is often heralded as a big advance for system security. Multiple virtual systems can run on the same hardware without the ability to influence each other. This isolation prevents a number of standard attack techniques, but today's virtualization technologies also open a whole new frontier for attacks that never would have been possible in the past. Experts are already talking about a new generation of rootkits that will exploit the powers of virtualization to avoid detection.
Rootkits let an attacker secretly sustain privileged access to a computer. A rootkit can hide processes, network connections, files, and directories to remotely control the victim's PC, install backdoors, sniff network packets, or log keystrokes. Once the rootkit is running in kernel mode, it can filter and manipulate system call return values and very effectively hide files, directories, and processes.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.