I've been quiet for a few days, (although the group remains active), so I thought I'd write a short status update. For the past few days, the MoAB project has been releasing primarily kernel issues in filesystem (UFS & HFS) and network protocol handling (AppleTalk). While it is technically possible to patch the kernel, I am reminded of a Monty Python quote:
Hello. Now, don't you worry. We'll soon have you cured. Leave it all to us. You'll never know what hit you.
The stakes are much higher when patching the kernel: a mistake can cause a system crash, complete with the potential for file system corruption and data loss. Count me out -- I don't want to provide a cure that's worse than the disease.
Instead, I recommend some simple steps to help keep yourself safe:
Application Enhancer won't (as opposed to can't) patch applications owned by another user for security reasons -- this includes root. I have some code based on mach_star that I have previously used to patch various daemons -- if an issue is announced in a non-user process, I'll look into re-using that code, but it'd be a mighty shame to lose Application Enhancer's functionality.
If you have any thoughts on providing patches for the previous issues, please do drop by the MoAB Fixes group. Matt Beaumont has been working on some ideas regarding pre-mount file system validation (custom tool, or fixed fsck), and could use a hand. I've done some work on deciphering the private DiskImages.framework, and have some code that implements support for pre-attach restrictions on disk images.