Custom Update Packages for Unsupported Software Patching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch management systems struggle to effectively manage and update unsupported software in managed networks, leading to persistent vulnerabilities and malfunctioning software due to the lack of integration with third-party systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating custom application packages that include prerequisite detection logic and installation instructions, enabling integration of unsupported software into third-party systems for automated update management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual patching of unsupported software is performed by administrators, then software updates can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the patch management system automatically detects unsupported software, generates application packages, and distributes patches without requiring manual administrator intervention for each software update
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring detection logic, prerequisites, and installation commands in application packages before patch distribution, so that when patches are deployed, the entire process executes automatically without manual setup
2Adaptability or versatility
If service providers generate custom application packages for unsupported software, then update management is enabled, but the process requires in-depth knowledge and is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates application packages by extracting software information from repositories and configuring detection logic, prerequisites, and installation commands without requiring service provider expertise in package generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of application packages including detection logic, prerequisites, and installation commands before integration, so that third-party systems can directly import and use pre-configured packages without requiring complex manual setup
3Reliability
If third-party systems manage only their own software, then system simplicity is maintained, but unsupported software remains unpatched and vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal patch management capabilities that work with both supported and unsupported software from multiple vendors through a single integrated interface, allowing third-party systems to manage diverse software types without separate processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary layer between patch sources and the third-party system, translating and standardizing application packages from different software vendors into a unified format that the third-party system can distribute and manage
4Adaptability or versatility
If service providers generate applications for commonly used software, then update management is facilitated, but customer-specific and obscure software remain unsupported
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates application packages for any unsupported software by querying software repositories and extracting necessary configuration information, eliminating the need for manual service provider intervention regardless of software obscurity or custom nature
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of detection logic, prerequisites, and installation commands for any software type before integration, making package generation straightforward and eliminating the need for service provider expertise across different software categories
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a method of management of unsupported applications in a managed network. The method includes receiving information that identifies the unsupported application that is not updated by a product update system. The method includes obtaining prerequisite detection logic metadata configured to identify an instance of the unsupported application installed at an endpoint. The method includes generating a post-install detection logic and installation instructions. The method includes pre-populating an update system with the prerequisite detection logic metadata, the post install detection logic, and the installation instructions to generate a custom update application. The method includes receiving an indication of an outstanding update to the unsupported application and generating a patch package for the unsupported application based on the custom update application. The method includes causing distribution of the patch package causing a change in a state of the unsupported application.