Edge Device Playbooks for Software Vulnerability Remediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing edge devices in remote environments with minimal human intervention is challenging due to the complexity of software dependencies and vulnerabilities, making it difficult to predict and mitigate issues that impact the operation of these devices.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing playbooks that include implementation mapping and vulnerabilities mapping to chart software functionality and security tests, allowing administrators to identify and implement acceptable changes to mitigate issues, thereby updating the software and generating new playbooks to manage edge devices efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If edge devices operate in remote environments with minimal human involvement, then operational efficiency is improved, but the ability to manage software dependencies and vulnerabilities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimal human involvementVSAvoidsoftware operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated playbook execution that identifies, evaluates, and implements software changes without human intervention. The playbook contains pre-defined remediation steps that the system executes autonomously when issues are detected, allowing edge devices to self-manage their software dependencies and vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The playbook is prepared in advance with pre-defined software changes and remediation steps for known vulnerabilities and dependency issues. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly respond to detected issues by executing pre-planned corrective measures, maintaining reliability while operating autonomously in remote environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If playbooks include comprehensive implementation mapping and vulnerabilities mapping, then issue remediation capability is improved, but playbook complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveissue remediationVSAvoidplaybook structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The playbook is segmented into distinct functional sections: implementation mapping that charts software dependencies, vulnerabilities mapping that identifies security issues, and remediation steps that provide corrective actions. This segmentation organizes the complex information into manageable, purpose-specific modules that can be independently maintained and executed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The playbook acts as an intermediary document that bridges the gap between complex software dependency relationships and simple remediation actions. It translates intricate implementation mappings and vulnerability assessments into straightforward, executable steps that administrators can follow without needing to understand the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If administrators evaluate potential changes using playbooks before implementation, then software stability is improved, but time to implement changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware operationVSAvoidchange implementation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The playbook contains pre-evaluated potential changes with documented impacts on software operation. Administrators review pre-analyzed remediation steps rather than evaluating changes from scratch, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining stability through thorough prior assessment of dependency impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The playbook provides feedback mechanisms that show the expected impact of potential changes on software stability before implementation. This includes dependency analysis that predicts how changes will affect other software components, allowing administrators to make informed decisions quickly while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12476999B2Managing operation of edge devices using playbooks

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing edge devices are disclosed. The edge devices may be managed using playbooks. The playbooks may be used to manage operation and security of edge devices. The playbooks may be generated by the edge devices and include implementation mapping and vulnerabilities mapping of software on the edge devices. For an issue of an edge device of the edge devices, an administrator may include a change to a code base of the software in the playbook. The change to the code base of the software in the playbook may initiate generation of a new playbook that includes the change.