Re: Announcing RSX - non exec stack/heap module

[Thomas Dullien <Dullien () gmx net>]

> It would appearat first glance  that RSX uses the same technique as PAX.
> Naturally, the PAX and RSX teams should confer to make a definitive
> statement on similarities and differences.

Just for the record, the technique bears no similarity. PAX provides
real, non-executable PAGES on x86 -- RSX remaps the heap segments
outside of the code segment limit. 

Sometimes it is a pity there is such a grotesque lack of understanding
of x86 operating system architecture around.
(This is not intendet to be an attack towards anyone, please do not take
this personally. It is just a general observation that a lack of
understanding
can lead to security problems -- see the recent FreeBSD/Solaris patch 
concerning GDT descriptors which cost Argus half a fortune :-)

Generally, I have to agree with Crispins statements to a certain degree:
While it is possible to argue that both PAX and RSX are obscurity defenses,
at least PAX can, when properly implemented, stop ALL foreign-code execution
and make sure only code that resides inside the process address space
already
can be executed. 

Cheers,
dullien () gmx de

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