Major Linux Security Flaw: io_uring Bypass Leaves Security Tools Blind

2025-04-24
Major Linux Security Flaw: io_uring Bypass Leaves Security Tools Blind

ARMO researchers have uncovered a critical vulnerability in Linux's io_uring asynchronous I/O interface, rendering most runtime security tools, including Falco, Tetragon, and Microsoft Defender, unable to detect rootkits exploiting it. Attackers can leverage io_uring to bypass syscall monitoring, enabling stealthy operations. ARMO's proof-of-concept rootkit, 'Curing,' demonstrates the severity by operating entirely through io_uring. While some vendors have responded with fixes, widespread exposure remains. The research highlights the need for security vendors to adopt mechanisms like KRSI for enhanced detection capabilities.