Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/17/microsoft_preps_rust_hypervisor_for/
Source: The Register
Title: Microsoft crafts Rust hypervisor to power Azure workloads
Feedly Summary: OpenVMM touts stronger security, but not ready for prime time just yet
Microsoft earlier this month published code for a new hypervisor, or virtual machine monitor (VMM), written in Rust.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Microsoft has introduced OpenVMM, a type 2 hypervisor written in Rust, focusing on enabling virtualization with improved memory safety guarantees. Although currently in development and not suitable for production, OpenVMM reflects a growing trend in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of security in virtualization technologies.
Detailed Description:
– **Type of Hypervisor**: OpenVMM is classified as a type 2 hypervisor, indicating that it runs on top of an existing operating system, similar to popular virtualization tools like Oracle VM VirtualBox and VMware Workstation.
– **Development Background**:
– Rust is gaining traction in the virtualization domain due to its memory safety features. Other notable Rust-based hypervisors include Amazon’s Firecracker (type 1) and Google’s crosvm (type 2).
– The project is still in progress; Microsoft has warned potential users about its readiness for end-user workloads.
– **Current Limitations**:
– OpenVMM is not yet optimized for performance or stability, with issues such as poorly documented management interfaces and a lack of APIs stability.
– Developers are using it more as a platform for feature implementation rather than as a deployable solution.
– **Target Use Case**:
– OpenVMM is primarily designed for use with OpenHCL, a Linux-based paravisor that enhances security for confidential virtual machines.
– A paravisor operates within the guest OS at a higher privilege level, facilitating improved abstraction and security for unenlightened guest operating systems, which may not natively support certain confidential computing technologies.
– **Key Feature – Azure Boost**:
– The architecture allows workloads to utilize Azure Boost hardware without the need to modify the guest VM, enabling faster I/O operations and enhancing security features effectively and seamlessly.
– **Conclusion and Future Potential**:
– While OpenVMM is still in development, its focus on incorporating Rust for better security aligns with wider industry shifts toward securing the virtualization environment.
– As the project matures, OpenVMM could provide a robust solution suitable for production use, meeting the increasing demand for secure virtualization components in cloud computing and infrastructure.
This introduction of OpenVMM not only underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing security in cloud and virtualization technologies but also represents ongoing advancements in the field, making it an important topic for professionals in security and infrastructure compliance.