Re: 'native files', 'object fingerprints' [was: sendpath()]

Jamie Lokier (lk@tantalophile.demon.co.uk)
Tue, 16 Jan 2001 14:57:05 +0100


Ingo Molnar wrote:
> struct native_file {
> unsigned long master_fingerprint[8];
> unsigned long file_fingerprint[8];
> struct file file;
> };
>
> 'fingerprints' are 256 bit, true random numbers. master_fingerprint is
> global to the kernel and is generated once per boot. It validates the
> pointer of the structure. The master fingerprint is never known to
> user-space.
>
> file_fingerprint is a 256-bit identifier generated for this native file.
> The file fingerprint and the (kernel) pointer to the native file is
> returned to user-space. The cryptographical safety of these 256-bit random
> numbers guarantees that no breach can occur in a reasonable period of
> time. It's in essence an 'encrypted' communication between kernel and
> user-space.

Sounds similar to the Hurd...

-- Jamie
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