Implementing operating system support for extended trusted path in TPM-capable environments

Abstract

Trusted path is one of the crucial features that operating systems must provide for fundamental security support. In order to explore the possibility of implementing a trusted path mechanism with the support of trusted platform module (TPM) technologies, and to support TPM capabilities in operating systems, the paper extended the scope of the conventional trusted path to cover the situation in which a user communicates with software residing on a remote host. The paper combined the concept of operating system support for trusted path with that for TPM platforms, and proposed the architecture of an extended trusted path mechanism in operating system with considerations on TPM-capable platforms support. As part of the author's research in secure operating systems, the work of the paper was carried out with Linux as an experimental prototype system. The research result shows that TPM capabilities can strengthen extended trusted path mechanisms of operating systems.