Re: [Y2038][time namespaces] Question regarding CLOCK_REALTIME support plans in Linux time namespaces

From: Pavel Machek
Date: Sat Nov 14 2020 - 05:25:08 EST


Hi!

> I do have a question regarding the Linux time namespaces in respect of
> adding support for virtualizing the CLOCK_REALTIME.
>
> According to patch description [1] and time_namespaces documentation
> [2] the CLOCK_REALTIME is not supported (for now?) to avoid complexity
> and overhead in the kernel.
>
> Is there any plan to add support for it in a near future?
>
> Why I'm asking?
>
> It looks like this kernel feature (with CLOCK_REALTIME support
> available) would be very helpful for testing Y2038 compliance for e.g.
> glibc 32 bit ports.
>
> To be more specific - it would be possible to modify time after time_t
> 32 bit overflow (i.e. Y2038 bug) on the process running Y2038
> regression tests on the host system (64 bit one). By using Linux time
> namespaces the system time will not be affected in any way.

If big slowdown is acceptable... you can play games with ptrace. Project called "subterfugue"
should have examples how to do that.

Best regards,
Pavel

--
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