eBPF Concepts
Understanding eBPF
What is eBPF?
eBPF (Extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a technology in the Linux kernel that allows safe and efficient execution of user-defined programs within the kernel space. Originally designed for packet filtering, eBPF has evolved into a powerful tool for observing and modifying system behavior without changing kernel source code or adding additional modules.
Safe Execution: eBPF programs are verified before execution to ensure they cannot harm the system.
Performance: Runs in kernel space, reducing the overhead of context switches between user space and kernel space.
Flexibility: Can attach to various hook points in the kernel, including networking, security, and tracing.
How eBPF Works
eBPF Virtual Machine: The Linux kernel includes an in-kernel VM that executes bytecode loaded from user space.
Program Loading: eBPF programs are loaded into the kernel via system calls and attached to specific hooks or trace points.
Kernel Hooks: eBPF can attach to socket events, trace points, kprobes (kernel functions), and uprobes (user-space functions).
Maps and Data Sharing: eBPF programs use maps to store and share data between the kernel and user space.
Traditional Use Cases for eBPF
Networking: Packet filtering, load balancing, and network performance monitoring.
Observability: System tracing, logging, and performance profiling.
Security: Detecting anomalies, enforcing security policies, and auditing.
eBPF in Qpoint
Why Qpoint Uses eBPF
Qpoint leverages eBPF to achieve deep visibility into network traffic without the need for intrusive instrumentation or code changes.
Kernel-Level Visibility: Access to network events at the kernel level before encryption, providing insights into unencrypted traffic.
Minimal Overhead: eBPF's efficient execution minimizes performance impact on applications.
No Code Changes Required: Eliminates the need to modify application code.
How Qpoint Leverages eBPF
The eBPF Probe: Qtap uses eBPF programs to monitor network sockets and collect metadata and payloads from network traffic.
Attaching to Events: Qtap attaches eBPF probes to specific kernel events related to network communication.
Data Collection: Collects detailed information such as process IDs, IP addresses, ports, payloads, and timing information.
Benefits of eBPF in Qpoint
Transparency: Operates transparently to applications and services.
Security: Data remains within your environment; no data is sent to external servers unless configured.
Scalability: Efficient monitoring even in high-throughput environments.
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