Applying MILS to multicore avionics systems

The implementation of the Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) software architecture on modern microprocessor architectures has become technically feasible in recent years. This allows MILS-based systems to host applications and data of multiple security classifications concurrently on a uniprocessor platform at affordable cost. In this paper, the potential requirements for the implementation of a separation kernel to support MILS systems on multicore processor architectures will be considered, and the design challenges associated with its potential implementation on the NXP (formerly Freescale) QorIQ™ P4080 multicore processor will be discussed. Finally, the potential use of a MILS Multicore separation kernel in two use cases will be presented - a Cross-Domain System (CDS) network gateway, and a Multi-Level Secure (MLS) Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) platform.