Researchers from cybersecurity firm ARMO have developed a proof-of-concept rootkit that exploits the io_uring interface in Linux, creating a significant "blind spot" for runtime security tools. This rootkit, named "Curing," operates by bypassing traditional system call monitoring, relying instead on asynchronous I/O mechanisms that allow it to perform actions without invoking typical system calls.
Amit Schendel, head of security research at ARMO, highlighted in a report that security systems that depend on monitoring system calls are effectively blind to rootkits functioning solely through io_uring methods. This discovery points to a considerable security vulnerability in Linux’s runtime security systems.
The io_uring interface, present in Linux versions since 5.1, has gained notoriety due to a multitude of vulnerabilities associated with it. Researchers at ARMO began to explore this interface two years ago, prompted by findings from a security analyst regarding its exploitation potential. Their in-depth exploration at the recent Chaos Communication Congress revealed the gravity of the issue, with Schendel calling io_uring an "overlooked mechanism" that poses serious security risks, yet is largely ignored by many cybersecurity vendors.
The researchers built the Curing rootkit to demonstrate the dangers posed by the io_uring interface, claiming that attackers can exploit this mechanism to avoid detection. System monitoring solutions are often not designed to accommodate new kernel features, leaving themselves vulnerable to tactics inherently utilized by malicious actors. Schendel noted that there are over 61 operations using io_uring, which could be exploited by threat groups.
During their testing, the researchers found that several runtime security tools, including Falco and Tetragon, could not detect io_uring-based activities, as they relied heavily on system call hooking. Microsoft Defender for Endpoints also failed to provide comprehensive visibility into these threats.
In a 2023 study, Google identified that 60% of submissions related to its Vulnerability Rewards Program exploited vulnerabilities in io_uring, leading the company to disable it in ChromeOS and limit its use on Android devices. ARMO’s work emphasizes the ongoing security challenges within Linux environments, particularly regarding the cloud-native landscapes that increasingly rely on this technology.
For further reading about the implications of this rootkit and details on the io_uring mechanism, visit ARMO’s report.
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