A Guide to Kernel Exploitation: Attacking the Core

Description

The number of security countermeasures against user-land exploitation is on the rise. Because of this, kernel exploitation is becoming much more popular among exploit writers and attackers. Playing with the heart of the operating system can be a dangerous game: This book covers the theoretical techniques and approaches needed to develop reliable and effective kernel-level exploits and applies them to different operating systems (Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X, and Windows). Kernel exploits require both art and science to achieve. Every OS has its quirks and so every exploit must be molded to fully exploit its target. This book discusses the most popular OS families-UNIX derivatives, Mac OS X, and Windows-and how to gain complete control over them. Concepts and tactics are presented categorically so that even when a specifically detailed exploit has been patched, the foundational information that you have read will help you to write a newer, better attack or a more concrete design and defensive structure.

* Covers a range of operating system families - UNIX derivatives, Mac OS X, Windows
* Details common scenarios such as generic memory corruption (stack overflow, heap overflow, etc.) issues, logical bugs and race conditions
* Delivers the reader from user-land exploitation to the world of kernel-land (OS) exploits/attacks, with a particular focus on the steps that lead to the creation of successful techniques, in order to give to the reader something more than just a set of tricks

CONTENTS:

Part I: A Journey to Kernel-Land Chapter 1: From User-Land to Kernel-Land Attacks Chapter 2: A Taxonomy of Kernel Vulnerabilities Chapter 3: Stairway to Successful Kernel Exploitation Part II: TheUNIX Family, Mac OS X, and Windows Chapter 4: TheUNIX Family Chapter 5: Mac OS X Chapter 6: Windows Part III: Remote Kernel Exploitation Chapter 7: Facing the Challenges of Remote Kernel Exploitation Chapter 8: PuttingIt All Together: A Linux Case Study Part IV: Final Words Chapter 9: Kernel Evolution: Future Forms of Attack and Defense