Revolution in Linux-Kernel: Asterina promises more security!
Revolution in Linux-Kernel: Asterina promises more security!
A lot is happening in the world of operating systems: A Chinese research team has developed a new kernel named Asterinas, which is programmed in the Rust programming language. According to linuxnews.de , Asterinas is compatible with the Linux-ABI and follows an innovative approach that is known as a frame kernel. Uncerted code is limited into a small, isolated core area, which significantly improves storage security.
A look at the developments shows that Asterina is not only intended for security-critical applications, but also for modern cloud infrastructures, such as the Alibaba Cloud. The advantages of the new kernel are obvious: access is only carried out via safe interfaces, and the architects have not simply started again at the same. Instead, a completely new system is created that clearly stands out from the ongoing Rust-for-Linux project.
technical refinements and basics
The developers behind Asterinas, mainly consisting of students from Beijing University, Intel and Ant Group, use modern techniques such as hardware insulation by Intel's TDX technology. The focus is on two important tools when implementing the project: the OSTD framework, which is intended for Rust-based operating systems, and the OSDK, a build tool based on cargo.
At the moment, more than 200 of a total of 368 Linux system calls are implemented, although real applications cannot yet be operated. However, the plan provides for Asterinas ready for production for X86-64 virtual machines by 2025. In order to support this progress, the developers have also created helpful installation instructions that are intended to facilitate implementation.
acceptance and awards
Interestingly, two research papers on Asterina were accepted as part of the Usenix ATC’25, including one that describes the safe and quick architecture of the new kernel. Asterinas could thus become a seamless replacement for Linux and significantly increase user -friendliness for developers, such as github.com . The developer friendliness is highlighted, for example, by choosing Rust as a programming language and the specially developed OSDK.Another look at the current developments related to Rust in Linux-Kernel shows the dynamics in the open source sector. A dispute over the integration of Rust code into the DMA mapping area has led to tensions between developers. For example, Christoph Hellwig, a long-time developer, gave up two of six supervisors after he had conflict with Linus Torvalds, who decided against Rust code over his veto. It is obvious that the introduction of new technologies in the open source sector is only possible with a broad consensus, as it-boltwise.de
Overall, Asterina remains an exciting project in the early development phase with a lot of potential for the future of operating system design. With the support of a committed community and innovative technologies, Asterina could play a key role in developing safe and efficient operating systems.
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| Ort | Rust, Deutschland |
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