Managing unique electronic identification for kernel extensions in isolated virtual space

Abstract

Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to detecting a file that a first instance of an operating system is configured to load where the file is configured to extend functionality of a kernel when loaded. In some embodiments, the first instance of the operating system is managed by a second instance of the operating system (e.g., the first instance of the operating system is a virtual operating system and the second instance is a global operating system). The first and second instances of the operating system share the kernel. Some embodiments are further directed to generating a unique electronic identifier based on properties of the file. The unique electronic identifier uniquely identifies the file. Some embodiments are further directed to providing a copy of the file to the first instance of the operating system, and some time later, receiving a request from the first instances of the operating system to load the copy of the file. Some embodiments are further directed to determining, using the unique electronic identifier, that the copy of the file from the first instance of the operating system is equivalent to the file. Some embodiments are further directed to loading the copy of the file in response to determining, using the unique electronic identifier, that the copy of the file is equivalent to the file. The loading extends the functionality of the kernel.