Guest Kernel Protection in Hypervisors

TL;DR

Yes, you can significantly improve guest kernel security at the hypervisor level using techniques like virtualisation-based security (VBS), integrity monitoring, secure boot for guests, and restricting access to hardware. This guide explains how.

Protecting Guest Kernels: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Threat Model
• Guest kernel compromises can lead to complete virtual machine (VM) takeover.
• Attacks can come from within the guest OS, or through hypervisor vulnerabilities.
• Consider threats like rootkits, bootkits, and malicious drivers.
2. Enable Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS)

VBS uses hardware features to create a secure enclave for critical system components. This can protect the guest kernel from tampering.

• Hyper-V: Enable Core Guard in Hyper-V Manager. This requires compatible hardware (Intel VT-x/AMD-V with EVI).
• VMware ESXi: Use Confidential VMs, which utilise AMD SEV or Intel TDX technology if your hardware supports it.
• KVM: Use technologies like Intel VT-d and IOMMU to isolate devices and memory.
3. Implement Guest Integrity Monitoring

Regularly check the integrity of critical guest kernel files.

• File Integrity Monitoring (FIM): Use tools within the guest OS (e.g., Tripwire, AIDE) or hypervisor-level solutions to detect changes to key binaries and configuration files.
• Example (AIDE – Linux Guest):

  sudo apt install aide

  sudo aide --init

  sudo aide --check

• Automate integrity checks using scheduled tasks or a central security information and event management (SIEM) system.
4. Secure Boot for Guests

Ensure that only trusted kernels are loaded during boot.

• UEFI Secure Boot: Enable UEFI Secure Boot within the guest VM settings. This requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or equivalent virtual TPM.
• Hypervisor Support: Most modern hypervisors support passing through a virtual TPM to the guest OS.
5. Restrict Hardware Access

Limit the guest’s direct access to hardware resources.

• IOMMU/VT-d: Use IOMMU (Input/Output Memory Management Unit) to isolate devices and prevent guests from directly accessing memory outside their allocated range.
• Direct Device Assignment (DDA): Carefully control which devices are assigned directly to VMs, minimising the attack surface. Avoid unnecessary DDA.
• Hypervisor-Level Firewalls: Implement firewalls within the hypervisor to restrict network access for guests.
6. Kernel Patching and Updates

Keep guest kernels up-to-date with the latest security patches.

• Automate patching using tools like Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.
• Regularly scan for vulnerabilities using vulnerability management systems.
7. Hypervisor Security Hardening

A secure hypervisor is crucial. Protect the hypervisor itself.

• Keep the hypervisor software up-to-date.
• Implement strong access controls and multi-factor authentication for hypervisor management interfaces.
• Regularly audit hypervisor logs for suspicious activity.