Advanced Runtime Protection Technologies

Advanced Runtime Protection Technologies

Beyond basic monitoring, advanced runtime protection technologies provide active defense against attacks. Runtime application self-protection (RASP) integrates security controls directly into applications. These controls can detect and prevent attacks in real-time without relying on external monitoring. While RASP requires application modifications, it provides precise security controls with minimal false positives.

Machine learning enhances runtime security by identifying anomalous behaviors without predefined rules. ML models train on normal application behavior, then detect statistical deviations that may indicate attacks. This approach can identify zero-day exploits and novel attack techniques. However, ML models require substantial training data and may generate false positives during application changes.

Kernel runtime security mechanisms like Linux Security Modules (LSMs) provide mandatory access controls. SELinux and AppArmor restrict container operations based on security policies. These mechanisms operate at the kernel level, providing strong security guarantees. However, they require careful policy development and can complicate application deployment.

# AppArmor profile for containerized application
#include <tunables/global>

profile container-webapp flags=(attach_disconnected,mediate_deleted) {
  #include <abstractions/base>

  # Network access
  network inet tcp,
  network inet udp,
  
  # Deny raw network access
  deny network raw,
  
  # File access permissions
  /usr/bin/node ix,
  /app/ r,
  /app/** r,
  /tmp/ rw,
  /tmp/** rw,
  
  # Deny access to sensitive files
  deny /etc/shadow r,
  deny /etc/passwd w,
  deny /proc/*/mem rw,
  
  # Allow specific capabilities
  capability net_bind_service,
  capability setuid,
  capability setgid,
  
  # Deny dangerous capabilities
  deny capability sys_admin,
  deny capability sys_module,
  deny capability sys_rawio,
  
  # Signal permissions
  signal (send) peer=container-webapp,
  
  # Mount restrictions
  deny mount,
  deny umount,
  
  # Pivot root for container startup
  pivot_root,
}