Microkernel/Requirements

Logos Microkernel Software Requirements Specification (SRS)

Version 1.0 Prepared by Jarrad 2024-12-25

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

This Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document provides a detailed description of the Logos Microkernel, which serves as the foundation for a privacy-preserving, decentralized technology stack. The microkernel is designed to support a modular plugin(module) framework for a peer-to-peer (P2P) decentralised technology stack with a focus on privacy and resistance against state-level adversaries.

1.2 Document Conventions

This document follows these conventions:

• Requirements are categorized as either Functional (FR) or Non-Functional (NFR)
• Priority levels are defined as:
  • MUST: Essential requirement
  • SHOULD: Important but not essential
  • MAY: Optional requirement
• Requirements are uniquely identified using the format: [Category]-[Number]
• Example: FR-001, NFR-001

1.3 Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions

This document is intended for:

• Software developers implementing the microkernel
• System architects designing higher-level components
• Security researchers evaluating the system
• Project stakeholders understanding system capabilities

Readers should first review sections 1 and 2 for a high-level understanding. Developers should focus on sections 3 and 4 for technical details. Security researchers should prioritize sections 4.3 and 5.2.

1.4 Product Scope

The Logos Microkernel is designed to:

• Provide a foundational layer for a decentralized technology stack
• Enable privacy-preserving P2P communication and computation
• Support modular plugin architecture for extensibility
• Facilitate secure and anonymous network communication
• Enable development of decentralized applications (dApps)

The microkernel will serve as the core component supporting higher-level services including:

• Network Overlays
• Module Manager (Package Manager & Dependency Resolution)
• A Peer Data Management System (Search & Content Discovery)
• Nomos (Private Multi-chain Network)
• Codex (Private Storage)
• Waku (Private Communications)

1.5 References

1. GNUnet Design Goals and Architecture
2. Freenet Project Documentation
3. IEEE 830-1998 SRS Guidelines

2. Overall Description

2.1 Product Perspective

The Logos Microkernel is a foundational component of a larger decentralized technology stack. It operates as an independent system that provides core module lifecycle management capabilities. The microkernel’s primary responsibility is to:

1. Load and unload modules safely
2. Manage module lifecycle states
3. Provide isolation between modules
4. Enable secure inter-module communication

The microkernel does not handle module dependency resolution, versioning, or discovery - these are responsibilities of a separate Module Manager component.

2.2 Product Functions

The major functions of the Logos Microkernel include:

1. Module Lifecycle Management
   • Load modules into isolated environments
   • Initialize modules in a controlled manner
   • Monitor module health and resource usage
   • Gracefully terminate and unload modules
2. Module Isolation
   • Enforce memory isolation between modules
   • Control access to system resources
   • Manage permissions and capabilities
3. Inter-module Communication
   • Provide secure message passing between modules
   • Enforce communication policies and restrictions
   • Handle communication failures safely

2.3 User Classes and Characteristics

The system serves several user classes:

1. End Users
   • Interact through applications built on the platform
   • Require privacy and security
   • May have varying technical expertise
2. Application Developers
   • Build dApps using the microkernel
   • Need clear APIs and documentation
   • Require reliable plugin system
3. Node Operators
   • Run network infrastructure
   • Need monitoring and management tools
   • Require system stability
4. Core Developers
   • Maintain and extend the microkernel
   • Need detailed technical documentation
   • Require testing and debugging tools

2.4 Operating Environment

The microkernel must operate in the following environment:

• Hardware: Various architectures (x86_64, ARM)
• Operating Systems: Linux, potentially others
• Network: Internet-connected environments
• Resource Constraints: Varied (mobile to server)
• Security Context: Potentially hostile network environments

2.5 Design and Implementation Constraints

The following constraints apply:

1. Technical Constraints:
   • Must be implemented in systems programming languages (e.g., Nim, Rust)
   • Must support cross-platform compilation
   • Must operate with limited resources when needed
2. Security Constraints:
   • Must implement strong cryptographic protocols
   • Must maintain privacy against state-level adversaries
   • Must isolate plugin components
3. Regulatory Constraints:
   • Must use open-source licenses
   • Must protect user privacy

2.6 User Documentation

The following documentation will be provided:

1. Technical Documentation:
   • Architecture Overview
   • API Reference
   • Plugin Development Guide
   • Security Model Documentation
2. Operational Documentation:
   • Installation Guide
   • Configuration Guide
   • Troubleshooting Guide
   • Best Practices

2.7 Assumptions and Dependencies

Assumptions:

• Network connectivity is available but unreliable
• Users prioritize privacy over performance
• Hostile network environments are common

Dependencies:

• Cryptographic libraries
• Operating system capabilities

3. External Interface Requirements

3.1 User Interfaces

The microkernel itself does not provide direct user interfaces but must support:

1. Module Interface Requirements:
   • Standardized API for module integration
   • Error reporting mechanisms
   • Resource usage monitoring
   • Configuration management
2. Management Interface Requirements:
   • Command-line interface for system control
   • Monitoring endpoints
   • Logging interface
   • Debug interfaces

3.2 Hardware Interfaces

The microkernel must interface with:

1. Network Hardware:
   • Network interface cards
   • Wireless adapters
   • Virtual interfaces
2. System Hardware:
   • CPU management
   • Memory management
   • Storage devices
   • Random number generators

3.3 Software Interfaces

Required software interfaces include:

1. Operating System:
   • Process management
   • Memory management
   • File system access
   • Network stack access
2. External Services:
   • Module repositories
   • Network bootstrapping services
   • Time synchronization services

3.4 Communications Interfaces

The microkernel must support:

1. Inter-process Communication:
   • Module communication
   • System service communication
   • Management interface communication

4. System Features

4.1 Module Lifecycle Management

4.1.1 Description

The Module Lifecycle Management system handles the loading, execution, and unloading of modules in a secure and controlled manner.

4.1.2 Functional Requirements

FR-001: Module States and Transitions

• The system MUST implement basic state management:
  • Core module states:
    • LOADED: Module binary loaded but not initialized
    • RUNNING: Module actively executing
    • TERMINATED: Module execution completed
  • Basic state transitions
  • Basic consistency checks
  • Basic notifications

• The system SHOULD support advanced states:
  • Additional states:
    • INITIALIZING: Startup sequence
    • PAUSED: Temporarily suspended
    • TERMINATING: Cleanup in progress
  • Complex state transitions
  • Advanced consistency management
  • Detailed state notifications

FR-002: Resource Management

• The system MUST implement basic resource control:
  • Basic memory management:
    • Memory region allocation
    • Basic isolation
  • Basic resource tracking:
    • CPU usage
    • Memory limits
    • Basic file handles
    • Basic leak prevention
    • Basic quotas

• The system SHOULD implement advanced resource management:
  • Advanced tracking:
    • Detailed CPU scheduling
    • Fine-grained memory control
    • Complex handle management
    • Network resource control
  • Advanced leak prevention
  • Dynamic quota adjustment

FR-003: Security and Isolation

• The system MUST enforce memory isolation:
  • Separate address spaces per module
  • Memory access control lists
  • Stack and heap protection
• The system MUST implement basic security:
  • Resource access control
  • Basic capability management
  • Revocation support
• The system SHOULD implement advanced security:
  • Fine-grained capability controls
  • End-to-end encryption between modules
  • Message authentication
  • Anti-tampering protections

FR-004: Error Handling and Recovery

• The system MUST handle basic errors:
  • Module crashes
  • Resource exhaustion
  • Invalid state transitions
  • Basic communication failures
• The system MUST provide basic recovery:
  • Error isolation between modules
  • Module restart capability
  • Basic state recovery
• The system SHOULD support advanced recovery:
  • Graceful degradation
  • Complex failure handling
  • Comprehensive state recovery
  • Detailed audit logging

FR-005: Module Communication and Interaction

• The system MUST support fundamental communication:
  • Basic IPC mechanisms:
    • Shared memory regions for data transfer
    • Message passing primitives
    • Lock-free queues for control messages
    • Memory protection between modules
  • Core interaction patterns:
    • Direct communication channels
    • Event notification system
    • Publish/subscribe mechanisms
    • Request/response patterns
  • Essential security:
    • Module authentication
    • Access control enforcement
    • Resource isolation
    • Message integrity verification

• The system MUST provide service management:
  • Service discovery:
    • Module capability advertisement
    • Service endpoint discovery
    • Dynamic service binding
    • Version negotiation
  • Capability management:
    • Resource access capabilities
    • Communication permissions
    • Service usage rights
    • Access tracking
• The system SHOULD implement performance features:
  • Advanced IPC:
    • Zero-copy message passing
    • Direct memory access for trusted modules
    • NUMA-aware memory allocation
    • Memory mapped channels
  • Performance optimizations:
    • Batching for small messages
    • Pipeline parallelism
    • Memory pre-allocation
    • Cache-line alignment
    • Thread affinity control
    • Dynamic buffer sizing
  • Communication enhancements:
    • Fast-path for trusted modules
    • Asynchronous messaging with backpressure
    • Priority-based routing
    • Stream processing pipelines
• The system SHOULD support advanced security:
  • Enhanced authentication:
    • Cryptographic identity verification
    • Trust level validation
    • Runtime integrity monitoring
  • Advanced isolation:
    • Capability delegation controls
    • Fine-grained access control
    • Secure channel establishment
    • Optional encryption for sensitive data
• The system SHOULD implement network module privileges:
  • Raw socket access capabilities
  • Direct hardware interface access
  • Priority scheduling options
  • Enhanced resource quotas
• The system SHOULD provide performance guarantees:
  • Quality of Service enforcement:
    • Bandwidth guarantees
    • Latency requirements
    • Priority levels
    • Resource reservations
  • Resource allocation:
    • Dynamic thread pool management
    • Memory pre-allocation strategies
    • I/O scheduling priorities
    • CPU affinity control

FR-007: System Resource Management

• The system MUST provide basic OS resource access:
  • Basic network integration:
    • Socket virtualization
    • Basic namespace isolation
    • Protocol registration
  • Basic resource access:
    • File descriptor management
    • System call mediation
    • Device access control
• The system MUST implement basic virtualization:
  • Basic network interfaces:
    • Basic traffic isolation
    • Protocol filtering
  • Basic resource isolation:
    • Filesystem sandboxing
    • IPC control
    • Resource accounting
• The system MUST support basic configuration:
  • Basic network settings:
    • Interface configuration
    • Protocol settings
  • Basic system settings:
    • Access policies
    • IPC parameters
    • Basic monitoring
• The system SHOULD support advanced features:
  • Advanced network features:
    • Complex traffic isolation
    • QoS management
    • Advanced routing
    • Traffic shaping
  • Advanced resource management:
    • Fine-grained virtualization
    • Advanced monitoring
    • Performance tuning

FR-008: Module Verification and Security

• The system MUST implement basic verification:
  • Basic signature checks
  • Hash verification
  • Version checks
• The system MUST provide basic integrity:
  • Basic runtime validation
  • Memory boundary checks
  • Basic trust levels
• The system MUST support basic updates:
  • Module replacement
  • Basic state transfer

• The system SHOULD implement advanced security:
  • Advanced integrity monitoring:
    • Control flow integrity
    • Deep runtime validation
  • Advanced trust management:
    • Dynamic trust adjustment
    • Fine-grained access control
  • Advanced update features:
    • Atomic updates
    • Complex state transfer
    • Rollback support

5. Other Nonfunctional Requirements

5.1 Performance Requirements

NFR-001: Response Time

• The system MUST process messages within 100ms (TBD)
• The system SHOULD optimize for low latency
• The system MAY prioritize critical messages

NFR-002: Scalability

• The system MUST support thousands of peers
• The system SHOULD scale horizontally
• The system MAY adapt to network size

5.2 Security Requirements

NFR-003: Hardware Security Integration

• The system SHOULD support hardware security features where available:
  • Hardware encryption acceleration
  • Memory protection mechanisms
• The system MUST gracefully degrade when hardware security features are unavailable
• The system SHOULD utilize secure enclaves when available

NFR-004: Cryptographic Security

• The system MUST implement basic cryptography:
  • Standard cryptographic algorithms
  • Basic key management
  • Basic algorithm selection
• The system SHOULD implement advanced features:
  • Quantum attack resistance
  • Advanced key storage
  • Algorithm agility
  • Advanced cryptographic protocols

NFR-005: Privacy Protection

• The system MUST provide basic privacy:
  • Basic traffic protection
  • Basic metadata protection
  • Basic data erasure
• The system SHOULD implement advanced privacy:
  • Advanced traffic analysis prevention
  • Perfect forward secrecy
  • Comprehensive metadata protection
  • Side-channel attack prevention

NFR-006: Recovery

• The system MUST support basic recovery:
  • Basic crash handling
  • Basic state recovery
  • Basic integrity checks
• The system SHOULD support advanced recovery:
  • Advanced crash consistency
  • Power loss recovery
  • Advanced integrity verification
  • Forensic capabilities

5.3 Software Quality Attributes

NFR-007: Reliability

• The system MUST provide basic reliability:
  • Basic failure handling
  • Basic data integrity
  • Basic failure isolation
  • Basic monitoring
• The system SHOULD implement advanced reliability:
  • Self-healing capabilities
  • Advanced failure handling
  • Comprehensive monitoring
  • Advanced watchdog mechanisms

NFR-008: Maintainability

• The system MUST support basic maintenance:
  • Basic modularity
  • Basic documentation
  • Basic debugging support
  • Basic diagnostics
• The system SHOULD support advanced maintenance:
  • Advanced debugging capabilities
  • Live debugging features
  • Advanced diagnostic tools
  • Performance profiling

NFR-009: Auditability

• The system MUST provide basic auditing:
  • Basic event logging
  • Basic security events
  • Basic log protection
  • Basic log management
• The system SHOULD support advanced auditing:
  • Detailed audit trails
  • Advanced forensics
  • Tamper-proof logging
  • Advanced log rotation

5.4 Business Rules

NFR-010: Compliance

• The system MUST be open source
• The system MUST respect user privacy
• The system SHOULD follow standards

6. Other Requirements

1. Legal Requirements
   • Compliance with open-source licensing
2. Internationalization
   • Support for multiple languages
3. Documentation Requirements
   • Technical specifications
   • API documentation
   • Security documentation
   • User guides
4. Environmental Requirements
   • Energy efficiency
   • Resource optimization