Applying flow-sensitive CQUAL to verify MINIX authorization check placement

TitleApplying flow-sensitive CQUAL to verify MINIX authorization check placement
Publication TypeConference Papers
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsFraser T, Petroni J., Arbaugh WA
Conference NameProceedings of the 2006 workshop on Programming languages and analysis for security
Date Published2006///
PublisherACM
Conference LocationOttawa, Ontario, Canada
ISBN Number1-59593-374-3
Keywordsaccess controls, cqual, minix
Abstract

We present the first use of flow-sensitive CQUAL to verify the placement of operating system authorization checks. Our analysis of MINIX 3 system servers and discovery of a non-exploitable Time-Of-Check/Time-Of-Use bug demonstrate the effectiveness of flow sensitive CQUAL and its advantage over earlier flow-insensitive versions. We also identify and suggest alternatives to current CQUAL usability features that encourage analysts to make omissions that cause the otherwise sound tool to produce false-negative results.

DOI10.1145/1134744.1134747