Company
Date Published
Author
Will Yu
Word count
2475
Language
-
Hacker News points
None

Summary

In the continuation of an exploration on Mac system extensions for threat detection, the text delves into advanced techniques for obtaining detailed system event information using kernel extensions, beyond the capabilities of existing frameworks like KAuth and MACF. The discussion covers how to access process execution data such as environment variables and program arguments by navigating the inner workings of XNU, though it highlights the challenges posed by timing and access limitations. Additionally, the text examines the intricacies of intercepting Mach system calls by manipulating structures such as the mach_trap_table and mig_buckets, which involves understanding the Mach-O header format and bypassing standard kernel protections. The narrative acknowledges the impending shift away from third-party kernel extensions with Apple's transition towards the EndpointSecurity framework and System Extensions in macOS 10.16, signaling an end to the current methods and the need for adaptation to new frameworks.