SANS InfoSec Reading Room - Linux Issues

Most of the computer security white papers in the Reading Room have been written by students seeking GIAC certification to fulfill part of their certification requirements and are provided by SANS as a resource to benefit the security community at large. SANS attempts to ensure the accuracy of information, but papers are published "as is". Errors or inconsistencies may exist or may be introduced over time as material becomes dated. If you suspect a serious error, please contact webmaster@sans.org.

Featuring 15 papers as of May 21, 2013

Securing Blackboard Learn on Linux

By: David Lyon (posted on December 1, 2011)

Blackboard Learn (Bb Learn) is an application suite providing educational technology to facilitate online, web based learning. It is typical to see Bb Learn hosting courses and content. Common add-ons include the Community and Content systems which are licensed separately.

Hardening Debian 4.0 – Creating a simple and solid foundation for your applications

By: Alexandre Dery (posted on January 14, 2008)

NFS Security in Both Trusted and Untrusted Environments

By: Jakub Dlugolecki (posted on November 1, 2007)

Secure Network Configuration Management for Linux based Routers

By: Ron Young (posted on May 5, 2005)

This paper presents a detailed implementation and operation plan for remote configuration management of a research network infrastructure. GIAC University is currently involved with several large-scale research projects that utilize individually identifiable medical records.

Step by Step Installation of a Secure Linux Web, DNS and Mail Server

By: John Holbrook (posted on April 8, 2004)

This paper will show how the author configured a Linux based web and e-mail server for a small company. This server is co-located at a local ISP. Because of budget limitations, the company can only locate one physical box at the ISP which limits what security measures that can be installed.

Linux Kernel Hardening

By: Taylor Merry (posted on December 21, 2003)

This paper outlines the installation and configuration of a Grsecurity-enhanced kernel.

Linux Process Containment - A practical look at chroot and User Mode

By: Paul Lessard (posted on October 31, 2003)

This document will explore some of the general ideas of how process containment is performed with chroot and User-mode Linux, and how to help ensure that a successful attack on a jailed process does not affect the main system.

Secure OS Environments for Linux

By: Pedro Luz-Romero (posted on October 31, 2003)

In this paper I make a review of the main set of tools and resources available for Linux system administrators willing to build an operating system with enhanced security features that allow applications to run securely in a network accessible from the Internet.

Linux RootKits For Beginners - From Prevention to Removal

By: Jeromey Hannel (posted on October 31, 2003)

This paper provides an understanding of rootkits and will discuss how to monitor for a rootkit, and the steps taken to remove one.

Security Applications of Bootable Linux CD-ROMs

By: Richard Bajusz (posted on October 31, 2003)

This paper examines the security applications of bootable Linux CD-ROMs.

The Easily Recoverable CD-ROM Booted Linux Internet Server: A How-To

By: Brian C. Otto (posted on October 31, 2003)

The purpose of this paper is to detail the general steps to create a read-only Internet Server providing DNS and static web pages (bind and Apache).

The Role of Bastille Linux in Information Security

By: Michael Russell Grimaila (posted on October 31, 2003)

In this paper, the author will briefly examine the evolution of Linux, discuss its popularity, and examine in detail Bastille Linux, which is used to increase the security of RedHat and Mandrake Linux distributions.

Aggressive Patching and the Use of a Standard Build: An OpenBSD Example

By: Michael Sullenszino (posted on October 31, 2003)

This paper discusses the importance of a standard build and defines Aggressive Patching as a vital part of defense in depth. It then goes on to demonstrate how to implement Aggressive Patching by creating a Standard Build internet server farm and support structures that allow for automated patching and rapid deployment of hardened servers.

Using Linux Scripts to Monitor Security

By: Harvey Newstrom (posted on October 31, 2003)

This paper will demonstrate how to create a generic tool using Linux scripting to enable network security monitoring.

An Introduction to the NSA's Security-Enhanced Linux: SELinux

By: Susan Rajnic (posted on October 31, 2003)

This paper will introduce the NSA's research project termed "Security-enhanced" Linux.