smk_read_ptrace(9)

💅 smk_read_ptrace(9) — the Kernel API Manual, bestie edition

okay so welcome to the Kernel API Manual, specifically the page for smk_read_ptrace(9), and honestly? she's a short one but she MATTERS. this is the read side of /smack/ptrace, and we're gonna get into it. ✨

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🌸 NAME 🌸

smk_read_ptrace — literally the read() for /smack/ptrace. that's it, that's the whole vibe. 🎀

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✨ SYNOPSIS ✨

ssize_t smk_read_ptrace (struct file *filp , char __user *buf , size_t
       count , loff_t *ppos );

like, look at her. four args, one return type, zero notes. iconic.

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🦋 ARGUMENTS 🦋

• filp — the file pointer. and no, she is not actually used. she's there, she's invited, she's not participating. 💀
• buf — this is where you put the result. the whole point, fr fr.
• count — the maximum amount you're allowed to send along. your limit, your ceiling, your budget. 👑
• ppos — where to start. your little bookmark in the file. 🔖

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💖 DESCRIPTION 💖

returns the number of bytes read, or an error code, as appropriate. that's the entire description and honestly? she ate. short, sweet, to the point. no cap. 🫶

reminder bestie: it returns a count on success and an error code when things go sideways — it does not magically do both. read the return value carefully. 🌈

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🔥 SEE ALSO 🔥

first up, the kernel file: ./security/smack/smackfs.c — go peek, she's got lore.

and now, the friend group (yes, all of them, i'm not skipping a single one, don't test me):

smk_netlabel_audit_set(9), smk_set_access(9), smk_perm_from_str(9), smk_fill_rule(9), smk_parse_rule(9), smk_parse_long_rule(9), smk_write_rules_list(9), smk_open_load(9), smk_write_load(9), smk_cipso_doi(9), smk_unlbl_ambient(9), smk_open_cipso(9), smk_set_cipso(9), smk_write_cipso(9), smk_open_cipso2(9), smk_write_cipso2(9), smk_open_net4addr(9), smk_net4addr_insert(9), smk_write_net4addr(9), smk_open_net6addr(9), smk_net6addr_insert(9), smk_write_net6addr(9), smk_read_doi(9), smk_write_doi(9), smk_read_cipso_auto_level(9), smk_write_cipso_auto_level(9), smk_read_ambient(9), smk_write_ambient(9).

still going, stay with me 🧚

smk_list_swap_rcu(9), smk_parse_label_list(9), smk_destroy_label_list(9), smk_write_onlycap(9), smk_read_unconfined(9), smk_write_unconfined(9), smk_read_logging(9), smk_write_logging(9), smk_open_load_self(9), smk_write_load_self(9), smk_user_access(9), smk_write_access(9), smk_open_load2(9), smk_write_load2(9), smk_open_load_self2(9), smk_write_load_self2(9), smk_write_access2(9), smk_write_revoke_subj(9), smk_init_sysfs(9), smk_write_change_rule(9), smk_read_syslog(9), smk_write_syslog(9).

almost there, you're doing amazing 💜

smk_open_relabel_self(9), smk_write_relabel_self(9), smk_write_ptrace(9) — yes, her sister, the write side, go say hi — smk_fill_super(9), smk_get_tree(9), smk_init_fs_context(9), init_smk_fs(9).

periodt. that's the whole guest list. 🎀

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okay and finally, the cute little sign-off: this page lives under ./security/smack, and it's dated October 2026. so like, mark your calendar bestie, and go read some smack files. 💅✨🦋