Packet copy management for service chain processing within virtual processing systems

Systems and methods are disclosed to provide packet copy management for service chain processing within virtual processing systems. A packet manager virtual machine (VM) controls access to shared memory that stores packet data for packets being processed by service chain VMs operating within a virtual processing environment. For certain embodiments, the packet manager VM is configured to appear as a destination NIC (network interface controller), and virtual NICs (vNICs) within the service chain VMs are configured to process packet data using pointers to access the packet data within the shared memory. Once packet data is processed by one service chain VM, the next service chain VM within the service chain is able to access the processed packet data within the shared memory through the packet manager VM. Once all service chain processing has completed, the resulting packet data is available from the shared memory for further use or processing.