Sessions at FOSDEM 2011 about Linux Kernel

Saturday 5th February 2011

• BOFH meets SystemTap: rootkits made trivial

  The Bastard Operator From Hell enjoys abusing his users. SystemTap allows for very easy dynamic code injection system-wide (kernel, libraries, applications).

  This talk gives a brief overview of what is SystemTap and its capabilities. We then demonstrate how it can be used to dynamically insert questionable code at any level to spy on users and modify behaviours of applications and system components very easily. This is not about novel techniques or breaking trust boundaries (we assume you are root already). This is only about making things easier for both the good and the bad guys.

  • Linux Kernel
  • Security
  • SystemTap

  At 5:00pm to 5:30pm, Saturday 5th February

  Coverage video

Sunday 6th February 2011

• How kernel development goes wrong and why you should be a part of it anyway

  The Linux kernel is at the core of any Linux system; the performance and capabilities of the kernel will, in the end, place an upper bound on what the system as a whole can do.

  This talk will review recent events in the kernel development community, discuss the current state of the kernel and the challenges it faces, and look forward to how the kernel may address those challenges. Attendees of any technical ability should gain a better understanding of how the kernel got to its current state and what can be expected in the near future.

  • Linux Kernel

  At 5:00pm to 5:50pm, Sunday 6th February

  Coverage video