eBPF Offensive Capabilities – Get Ready for Next-Gen Malware (2023)

eBPF (Extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a powerful technology integrated into the Linux kernel that allows programs to run at a low level without needing kernel modules. While it has legitimate uses in security monitoring and performance analysis, it also poses risks as it can be exploited for malicious purposes. eBPF programs can be attached to various hooks in the kernel, such as kprobes, uprobes, tracepoints, and traffic control hooks, enabling attackers to monitor and manipulate kernel and user-space functions.

The article discusses the offensive capabilities of eBPF, highlighting how attackers can abuse its features. For instance, they can directly access maps to alter the logic of eBPF programs, use kprobes to hide processes or files, and manipulate network traffic through traffic control hooks. Uprobes can also be exploited to change the behavior of user-space applications.

To mitigate these risks, the kernel employs a verifier that checks eBPF bytecode for safety before execution, ensuring that potentially harmful operations are prevented. Despite these safeguards, the potential for abuse remains significant, necessitating ongoing vigilance in monitoring and securing systems that utilize eBPF technology. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding both the capabilities and the risks associated with eBPF as it becomes increasingly integrated into cloud-native environments and security frameworks.