Overview

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is an open-source system virtualization module that has been integrated into major Linux distributions since version 2.6.20. KVM utilizes Linux’s own scheduler for management, resulting in a smaller core codebase compared to Xen. Consequently, it has become one of the mainstream Virtual Machine Monitors (VMMs) in academia.

KVM virtualization requires hardware support, such as Intel VT technology or AMD-V technology, and is classified as a type of hardware-assisted full virtualization. In contrast, early versions of Xen were based on software emulation through para-virtualization, although newer versions also support hardware-assisted full virtualization. Unlike KVM, Xen has its own process scheduler and storage management modules, making its codebase relatively large. The well-known commercial virtualization software VMware ESX series is based on software emulation for full virtualization.

Application of KVM in Game Cheating

In the realm of game cheating, many cheat functionalities rely on accessing the game’s memory data. Cheat developers typically write or purchase specialized memory read/write drivers to circumvent anti-cheat systems. However, these drivers often attract significant scrutiny from anti-cheat teams, resulting in high costs for developers. To reduce these costs, simplify the cheat development process, and extend the lifespan of cheats, memory cheat developers have turned their attention to KVM virtualization technology.

KVM technology enables the placement of game programs in a clean, dedicated virtual machine designed specifically for running games. The virtual machine system is deeply optimized and customized, removing any features that could be detected by anti-cheat systems, making it appear indistinguishable from a normal operating system. Additionally, the streamlined operating system allows for more efficient resource utilization, significantly enhancing game performance and frame rates.

Operating Mechanism

When a game runs in a virtual machine, it saves the necessary data to memory. Cheat developers can read the virtual machine’s memory data and, by applying specific offsets, indirectly access the game’s memory data. This reading behavior appears completely “invisible” to anti-cheat systems, as the cheat directly accesses the memory data of the virtual machine rather than the game itself. Consequently, anti-cheat systems can only interpret this as a normal operating system call.

Cheats can run on the host machine while displaying information such as aimbots or item information on the host’s screen, simultaneously full-screening the game running in the virtual machine. This creates a visual effect that is nearly indistinguishable from traditional memory cheat interfaces.

Isolation and Detection

KVM technology effectively places the game and its anti-cheat mechanisms in a sandbox environment, completely isolating the host operating system from the virtual machine. Various anti-cheat detection methods become ineffective within this sandbox, relying instead on passive methods such as behavior detection to identify anomalies. However, many cheat programs are adept at remaining undetected, employing highly realistic mouse movement trajectories and complex cheating behaviors (such as sonar cheats in CS:GO) to evade detection, thus diminishing the effectiveness of anti-cheat systems.

From a coding perspective, traditional cheat developers need only to determine the offset of the game’s memory address within the virtual machine; the remaining coding can follow the normal practices of memory cheat implementation.

Conclusion

KVM technology is not limited to memory cheats; traditional color-finding cheats and emerging AI cheats can also leverage KVM virtualization technology to effectively circumvent anti-cheat detection. For further discussions and insights, feel free to join our Discord community, where we can explore these topics together.