Abstract Dynamic Translation as a System Service

Dynamic translation is a well-known and powerful technique for transforming programs as they run. Dynamic translators have many uses including profiling, security assurance, dynamic optimization, and bug patching. However, the utility of dynamic translation is severely limited by a lack of integration with the system in which it is used, instead, requiring individual users to initiate and program the translator. As a result, translation is not transparent, cannot be used to protect system-level security, and can only be programmed by a single party (the user). In this work, we propose integrating dynamic translation with the operating system, providing dynamic translation as an operating system service (DTSS). With DTSS, the OS dynamically translates all applications according to translation rules provided by any entity (with sufficient access rights) in the system. In addition, this paper describes a number of challenges in implementing DTSS and presents solutions to address them. Performance overhead poses the greatest challenge, but code caching can dramatically reduce overhead. That multiple parties may transform a single program is also challenging. We describe how transformations may be composed and how they are isolated from one another. DTSS has great utility beyond traditional dynamic translation systems, but new implementation strategies are required. 1