Software Replication and Replacement System for Patch Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed software applications in managed computer networks face challenges in maintaining the latest patches and versions, leading to security flaws and production issues due to outdated or unpatched instances, which are difficult to identify and update across the network.
Innovation Solution
A system that archives unused software applications, creates replacement executable files, and automatically restores the original or updated software upon detection of an execution call, using a backup storage location and an application version repository to ensure security and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unused software applications are uninstalled to avoid security flaws, then security risks are reduced, but production issues may occur if the software is needed later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software application files from the active directory and moves them to an archive location, separating the functional need from the security risk. The original files are removed from the system path, but preserved in an archive, allowing security hardening while maintaining recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary archiving of software files before complete uninstallation. By pre-preserving the files in an archive location and creating replacement executables that can restore them, the system prepares for potential future needs before they arise, avoiding production issues.
2Reliability
If all instances of distributed software are constantly updated with latest patches, then security is improved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement executable implements self-service by automatically detecting when archived software needs to be restored. When the archiving system attempts to restore files, the replacement executable intercepts the operation, restores the files itself, and updates the system registry, eliminating the need for complex manual maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the replacement executable that monitors and responds to restoration attempts. When file restoration is detected, the replacement executable provides feedback by executing the restoration process and updating system state, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies maintenance.
3Loss of energy
If software applications are archived to save licensing costs, then cost is reduced, but manual restoration processes increase operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement executable serves itself by automatically performing the restoration process when needed. Instead of requiring manual intervention to restore archived software, the system self-activates through file access attempts, self-restores the archived files, and self-updates the system registry, eliminating manual restoration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup by installing the replacement executable and configuring the archiving mechanism before software is actually needed. This preliminary action ensures that when restoration is required, the process can proceed automatically without manual intervention, reducing operational time.
4Extent of automation
If replacement executable files are created to intercept execution calls, then automatic restoration is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement executable serves as an intermediary between the archiving system and the actual software application. It intercepts execution calls that would normally go to archived files, mediates the restoration process by copying files back to the directory, and then forwards the execution call to the restored application, automating the entire process while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes memory hardware configured to store software application files and computer-executable instructions executed by processor hardware. The instructions include determining memory space required for reinstallation of an archived target software application into a directory and preserving the memory space by creating a storage space preservation file in the directory based on the determined memory space. The storage space preservation file is unusable as the archived target software application. The instructions include detecting an execution call to a first replacement executable file and, in response to detecting the execution call, restoring files of the archived target software application to the directory and forwarding the execution call to a first executable file of the archived target software application in the directory. Detecting the execution call, restoring the files of the archived target software application, and forwarding the execution call are executed automatically without manual intervention by a user.