Automated Vulnerability Detection and Mitigation for Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in ensuring timely security updates, as conventional solutions often require user action and may defer updates until administrative deadlines, leaving systems vulnerable until patches are installed.
Innovation Solution
The system combines a system inventory with latest vulnerability data to identify vulnerabilities before they are known or patched, and implements automated and centralized response features, such as restricting device functionality and forcing auto-updates, to protect the system from exploitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional vulnerability monitoring solutions are used, then OS and client application level vulnerabilities can be monitored, but hardware and OSS library level vulnerabilities cannot be detected before patches are available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively scanning OSS libraries and hardware components against vulnerability databases before vulnerabilities are publicly disclosed or patches are released. The vulnerability scanner continuously monitors third-party OSS libraries and hardware firmware for known vulnerabilities, enabling early detection before traditional OS-level patching becomes necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary vulnerability scanner that operates between the OS/application layer and the hardware/OSS library layer. This intermediary component specifically targets OSS libraries and hardware components for vulnerability assessment, bridging the detection gap that exists in conventional OS-centric security solutions.
2Reliability
If user action is required for patch installation, then users have control over updates, but systems remain vulnerable until users initiate installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting vulnerabilities in OSS libraries and hardware components, then autonomously installing patches without requiring user intervention. The vulnerability management system performs self-service patching operations, eliminating the dependency on user action while maintaining security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for patch installation by continuously monitoring vulnerability databases and pre-identifying vulnerable components. When vulnerabilities are detected, the system has already prepared patch files and installation mechanisms, enabling rapid automated deployment without waiting for user initiation.
3Ease of operation
If system updates are delayed until administrative deadlines, then user disruption is minimized, but systems become unnecessarily susceptible to vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated update strategies for different system components. Critical hardware components and OSS libraries with high-severity vulnerabilities receive immediate automated patching, while less critical components follow scheduled update cycles. This localized approach maintains security reliability for vulnerable components without disrupting overall system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary vulnerability assessment and patch preparation before actual installation. By pre-identifying vulnerable OSS libraries and hardware components and preparing patch files in advance, the system can apply updates quickly and minimally disruptively, balancing security needs with user experience requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed methods and systems consume vulnerability information from one or more security services associated with an information handling system. Based at least in part on the vulnerability information, a vulnerability status of the information handling system and/or an application running on the information handling system is determined. A vulnerability mitigation policy corresponding to the vulnerability status is determined and the vulnerability mitigation policy is then enforced while the vulnerability status persists. Enforcing the vulnerability mitigation policy may include restricting functionality of the information handling system, restricting execution of the application, or both.