Secure Virtual Architecture

Project Summary

Secure Virtual Architecture (SVA) is a compiler-based virtual machine capable of hosting an entire commodity operating system and all its applications. The virtual machine is unique because it combines a sophisticated compiler (like high-level language virtual machines such as JVM or CLI) with a rich run-time system capable of monitoring and controlling all privileged operations (like Virtual Machine Monitors such as VMware or Xen). This combination opens up the opportunity to develop novel and powerful solutions to a wide range of important software security and reliability problems, including intrusion prevention, intrusion detection and analysis, OS component isolation, full system recovery, application data confidentiality, secure application- and system-level information flow, and many others. The SVA research group is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, Apple Computer, Inc., and the University of Illinois.

Architecture Diagram of Secure Virtual Architecture

Secure Virtual Architecture

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign