allow in selinux policy

In SELinux policy syntax, allow is a keyword used to define permissions and access rules between security contexts (domains and types). These rules specify what actions a subject (process or domain) is allowed to perform on an object (file, socket, etc.) under specific conditions. Here’s a detailed explanation of the allow statement in SELinux policy syntax:

Syntax of allow Statement

The allow statement follows a specific syntax pattern:

allow source_type target_type:target_class { permissions };

• source_type: Represents the source security context (domain or type) that initiates the access request.

• target_type: Specifies the target security context (domain or type) of the object being accessed.

• :target_class: Optional parameter that specifies the class of the target object (file, socket, capability, etc.).

• permissions: Defines the permissions granted to source_type on target_type:target_class. Permissions can include read (read), write (write), execute (execute), and other specific operations allowed by the policy.

Example allow Statements

1. Basic allow Rule

allow app_domain file_type:file { read write };

• This rule allows processes running in app_domain to read and write files labeled as file_type.

2. Permission to Execute

allow shell_exec exec_type:file { execute };

• Allows processes running in shell_exec to execute files labeled as exec_type.

3. Network Access

allow httpd_net_domain tcp_socket:sock_file { connect };

• Grants httpd_net_domain permission to connect to TCP sockets (tcp_socket).

4. Inter-process Communication

allow app1_domain app2_domain:process { signal };

• Allows app1_domain to send signals to app2_domain.

Usage in SELinux Policy Modules

• Contextual Labeling: allow statements are used to define the interactions between different domains and types based on security policies.

• Policy Enforcement: These rules are enforced by the SELinux kernel to ensure that processes operate within defined security boundaries and cannot access resources outside their designated permissions.

Conclusion

The allow statement is fundamental in SELinux policy syntax, defining the permissions and access rules that govern interactions between different security contexts in a Linux-based system. These rules play a crucial role in enforcing Mandatory Access Control (MAC) and enhancing system security by restricting unauthorized access and actions. Understanding and properly defining allow rules is essential for configuring SELinux policies effectively to meet specific security requirements in environments such as Android and other Linux distributions.