Automated Software Patch Management via Rule-Based Analysis and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of applying and testing software patches in enterprise systems is time-consuming and repetitive, requiring substantial user effort and increasing the risk of system vulnerabilities due to prolonged exposure before patches are deployed.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and system that automatically detects new software patches, analyzes them using patch analysis rules, applies patches to test images, and performs tests before deploying them to computing devices, optimizing the patch management process and reducing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual patch management processes are used, then user control and verification are maintained, but time consumption and user effort increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting patches, analyzing them against vulnerability databases, applying patches to test images, executing tests, and deploying patches without requiring continuous user intervention. The automated workflow manages the entire patch lifecycle, reducing user effort from manually accessing each device to configuring and monitoring the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically analyzing patches before deployment, applying them to test images in advance, and executing tests to verify compatibility. This preliminary testing phase identifies potential issues before production deployment, reducing the need for manual verification and rework.
2Reliability
If patches are deployed quickly to address vulnerabilities, then system security is improved, but the risk of deploying untested patches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into distinct phases: vulnerability analysis phase, test image creation phase, automated testing phase, and deployment phase. Each phase handles specific tasks independently, allowing comprehensive security verification without overwhelming complexity. The segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple patches through different test scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
A test image serves as an intermediary between the patch and production systems. The patch is first applied to and tested on the test image, which acts as a safe intermediate environment. This intermediary allows thorough testing without risking production system stability, enabling quick security responses with verified patches.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed on patches, then deployment reliability is improved, but the patch deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Testing is performed periodically through automated test executions at scheduled intervals or triggered by patch events. The system uses periodic action to run multiple test scenarios systematically, ensuring comprehensive coverage while maintaining efficient throughput. This structured periodic testing balances thoroughness with deployment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical testing processes are replaced with automated testing systems that execute test cases programmatically. The automated testing framework substitutes human operators with software agents that can run multiple tests concurrently, reducing the time required for comprehensive testing while maintaining or improving deployment reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple testing steps are implemented, then patch quality is improved, but user effort and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple testing steps are merged into a unified automated testing workflow that sequences test execution automatically. The system combines vulnerability scanning, functional testing, regression testing, and compatibility verification into an integrated process, improving patch quality through comprehensive testing while reducing perceived complexity by automating the coordination of these steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated testing system performs multiple functions through a single multi-functional platform: it analyzes vulnerability data, creates test images, executes various test scenarios, generates reports, and manages deployment decisions. This universal system handles diverse testing requirements without requiring separate manual processes for each testing type.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein describes managing software patches for software applications of computing devices. A release of a software patch associated with a software application of the computing devices is detected. The software patch is analyzed based on patch analysis rules, wherein the patch analysis rules include vulnerability rules configured to indicate whether the released software patch addresses known vulnerabilities. Based on the analysis resulting in approval for installation of the patch, a current test image of the software application is identified, and the patch is applied to the test image to form a patched image. Tests are performed on the patched image, include patch-specific tests. Based on the results of the tests indicating that the patched image passed at least a subset of the tests, the software patch is applied to application instances of the software application on the computing devices, whereby the patch is deployed to the computing devices.