Enabling Syscall Intercept for RISC-V

Abstract

This paper details the efforts involved in porting a widely used syscall interception library to the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture. The work is crucial for maturing the RISC-V software stack, enabling complex functionalities required by advanced storage systems like AdHocFS (DAOS, GekkoFS). This development supports the broader European Union technological sovereignty strategy and the European Processor Initiative by focusing on creating production-ready RISC-V software infrastructure.

Report

Key Highlights

• The primary innovation is the successful porting and implementation of a widely used syscall interception library specifically for the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA).
• The work is conducted as part of the BZL initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive software stack to complement RISC-V hardware development.
• The ported library is essential for operating complex, advanced distributed filesystems classified as AdHocFS, specifically naming DAOS and GekkoFS.
• The authors detail how they overcame limitations encountered during the process of porting the library to the new RISC-V environment.

Technical Details

• Target Architecture: RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture.
• Software Component: A widely used syscall interception library (name not specified, but function is system call manipulation).
• Specific Applications: AdHocFS environments, including DAOS (Distributed Asynchronous Object Storage) and GekkoFS.
• Project Context: Part of the BZL initiative and aligned with the goals of the European Processor Initiative (EPI).

Implications

• Ecosystem Maturity: Enabling syscall interception is a foundational step that significantly enhances the readiness and sophistication of the RISC-V operating system and application software stack.
• Strategic Importance: The project directly supports the European Union's technological sovereignty strategy by building robust, native software infrastructure around RISC-V.
• Functional Enablement: By allowing applications like DAOS and GekkoFS to function correctly on RISC-V, the research facilitates the use of high-performance, advanced storage solutions within the RISC-V ecosystem.