Tor Project has unveiled oniux, a new command-line utility that provides comprehensive network isolation for Linux applications, ensuring all traffic routes exclusively through the Tor network.
This tool aims to eliminate the risk of accidental data leaks that can occur with traditional SOCKS proxy configurations, offering enhanced privacy protection for users handling sensitive information.
Oniux leverages Linux kernel namespaces to create complete network separation, providing a more robust security model than existing solutions.
Oniux employs Linux namespaces, a kernel feature introduced around 2000, to isolate application network traffic at the operating system level.
Unlike proxy-based approaches, oniux places applications in dedicated network namespaces that lack access to system-wide network interfaces, instead providing a custom “onion0” interface that exclusively routes through Tor.
This approach prevents applications from accidentally bypassing the Tor network due to misconfiguration or programming errors.
“One mistyped proxy setting–or a single system-call outside the SOCKS wrapper–and your data is suddenly on the line,” notes the announcement.
By leveraging namespace technology similar to that used by Docker for containerization, oniux creates an environment where applications physically cannot make direct network connections, eliminating common leak vectors found in other solutions.
The tool builds upon two existing Tor technologies: Arti, the Rust implementation of Tor, and onionmasq, a network isolation tool.
Together, these components create a security barrier that functions at the kernel level rather than through application-level configuration.
Oniux vs Torsocks
Compared to torsocks, a similar tool with widespread adoption, oniux offers significant security advantages.
While torsocks works by overwriting network-related libc functions to route traffic through a SOCKS proxy, it remains vulnerable to applications that bypass these hooks.
Statically linked binaries, applications using direct system calls, or malicious software can potentially circumvent torsocks’ protection.
Oniux addresses these weaknesses by operating at a more fundamental level.
“Malicious applications cannot leak data” with oniux, the announcement explains, because the isolation occurs within the Linux kernel itself rather than through library function interception.
This approach ensures compatibility with all Linux applications regardless of how they implement networking functionality.
Though torsocks remains battle-proven after 15 years of use, oniux’s architecture provides a more comprehensive security model, particularly for applications that might not follow expected networking patterns or for users concerned about potential malicious behavior in untrusted software.
Getting Started with Oniux
Deploying oniux requires a Linux system with the Rust toolchain installed. Users can install the tool directly from the Tor Project’s GitLab repository using cargo, Rust’s package manager. Once installed, using oniux is straightforward:
text# Route curl through Tor
$ oniux curl https://icanhazip.com
# Isolate an entire shell session
$ oniux bash
# Even graphical applications work
$ oniux hexchat
The developers note that oniux remains experimental compared to established tools like torsocks.
“While things are already working as expected at the moment, tools such as torsocks have been around for over 15 years, giving them more experience on the battlefield,” the announcement states.
The project was developed with contributions from multiple open-source communities and is financially supported by donors to The Tor Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing privacy rights through free software.
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