Seccomp

Limiting the System Calls

Introduction: Understanding Seccomp

Seccomp is a Linux kernel feature that enables administrators to restrict the actions that a process can perform, thus providing an additional layer of security. It stands for “secure computing mode” and was first introduced in the 2.6.12 kernel. Seccomp is a powerful tool for enhancing the security of a Linux system, as it helps to mitigate the risks of exploitation from untrusted code and malware.

How Seccomp Works

Seccomp works by limiting the system calls that a process can make. It does this by providing a list of allowed system calls that a process can make, and any system call not on this list is blocked. This list is often referred to as a “filter.” Seccomp operates in two modes: strict mode and filter mode. In strict mode, all system calls except for a whitelist of explicitly allowed ones are blocked. In filter mode, only the system calls explicitly listed in the filter are allowed, with all others being blocked.

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VMs and SELinux

Virtual Machines with SELinux

Introduction

Libvirt is an open-source tool used for managing virtual machines on Linux systems. One of the challenges with virtualization is ensuring that the host system and virtual machines are secure. SELinux, or Security-Enhanced Linux, is a security module that can be used to add an additional layer of security to both the host system and virtual machines. In this article, we will explore how SELinux can be used to protect the host and virtual machines.

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Rootkits on Linux

A Threat to System Security

Rootkits on Linux: A Threat to System Security

A rootkit is a type of malicious software that allows an attacker to gain privileged access to a computer system. This access can be used to steal sensitive information, install additional malware, or carry out other malicious activities. Rootkits on Linux can be particularly dangerous, as they can go undetected for long periods of time and allow an attacker to gain complete control over the system. In this article, we will discuss the threat of rootkits on Linux and how to prevent them using rkhunter.

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SCAP

Enhancing Computer Security with OpenSCAP

SCAP and OpenSCAP: Enhancing Computer Security

The Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) is a suite of standards designed to help organizations manage their computer security vulnerabilities. It provides a standardized method for identifying, measuring, and evaluating security risks across an organization’s infrastructure. OpenSCAP is an open-source implementation of SCAP that provides a set of tools and libraries for integrating SCAP into an organization’s security management framework.

SCAP Standards: Identifying and Measuring Security Risks

The SCAP suite includes several standards for identifying and measuring security risks, including the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) dictionary, the Common Configuration Enumeration (CCE) standard, and the Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) standard. These standards provide a common language for describing security vulnerabilities, configurations, and platforms, which helps organizations to better understand and manage their security risks.

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