linux-kernel - Re: [PATCH 0/4] integrity

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Date:	Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:18:13 -0800
From:	Andrew Morton <akpm@...ux-foundation.org>
To:	Mimi Zohar <zohar@...ux.vnet.ibm.com>
Cc:	linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org, zohar@...ux.vnet.ibm.com,
	jmorris@...ei.org, hch@...radead.org, viro@...IV.linux.org.uk,
	safford@...son.ibm.com, serue@...ux.vnet.ibm.com
Subject: Re: [PATCH 0/4] integrity

On Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:47:10 -0500
Mimi Zohar <zohar@...ux.vnet.ibm.com> wrote:

> The Linux Integrity Module (LIM) Framework provides hooks
> for modules to perform collection, appraisal, and storage
> of system integrity measurements. One such module, IMA,
> collects measurements of file data, maintains this list
> in the kernel, and if available, stores (extends) the
> measurements into a hardware TPM. These measurements are
> collected, appraised, and stored before any access
> (read or execute) to the data, so that malicious code or
> data cannot remove or cover up its own measurement, to avoid
> detection. If the measurements are anchored in a TPM, the
> TPM can sign the measurements, for proof of integrity
> to a third party, such as in enterprise client management.
> 
> Integrity measurement is complementary to LSM mandatory
> access control, which can be used to protect the integrity
> of system files. Integrity measurement policies can take
> advantage of LSM labels in deciding what to measure and
> to detect when the protection fails, with hardware strength.

This all looks quite mergeable to me, although I am far from being an
expert on security things.

One thing which I cannot say, and which is quite important: how useful
will all of this be to our users?  Are people asking for it?  Are
people likely to enable and use it?  Are they even likely to understand
it?  ;) Are any large/important customers asking for it?  Are distros
likely to enable and support it?

etc?
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