Vulnerability Patch Complexity Classification Using AI Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vulnerability patch management systems face inefficiencies due to fragmented and inconsistent information from vendor advisories and vulnerability databases, leading to inaccurate assessments of patch complexity and prolonged exposure to cybersecurity threats.

Innovation Solution

An automated system utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning models to analyze vulnerability data, identifying complexity indicators such as keywords, product types, and operational steps to classify patches into LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH complexity levels, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated AI/ML models are used to analyze vulnerability data and classify patch complexity, then productivity and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatch prioritization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated AI/ML model as an intermediary between vulnerability data sources and security teams. This intermediary systematically processes fragmented information from vendor advisories and vulnerability databases, extracting complexity indicators and classifying patches into standardized complexity levels. This resolves the contradiction by automating the analysis process (improving productivity) while containing system complexity through modular AI/ML architecture rather than requiring complex manual coordination systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of information gathering, analysis, and classification with automated AI/ML models. Instead of security teams manually reviewing vendor advisories and vulnerability database entries to assess patch complexity, the system uses machine learning models to automatically extract relevant features and classify patches. This substitution improves productivity by eliminating manual labor while the modular nature of the AI/ML system keeps device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive vulnerability data is collected from multiple sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to fragmented information processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatch complexity assessment accuracyVSAvoidinformation processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing and structuring vulnerability data from multiple sources before analysis. The AI/ML models are trained on historical vulnerability data with known complexity outcomes, enabling them to quickly assess new patches. Complexity indicators and classification schemas are pre-established, allowing the system to rapidly process fragmented information without requiring time-consuming manual analysis of each new vulnerability report.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating standardized representations of vulnerability data from diverse sources. Instead of processing raw, heterogeneous data formats directly, the system copies information into a unified structured format with standardized fields and schemas. This copying process preserves measurement precision by maintaining all relevant details while enabling efficient processing through consistent data structures that the AI/ML models can rapidly analyze.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If manual assessment of patch complexity is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpatch assessment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically assess patch complexity without requiring extensive manual intervention. The AI/ML models autonomously analyze vulnerability data, extract complexity indicators, and classify patches based on pre-established criteria. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity by eliminating slow manual assessment processes while the modular architecture keeps device complexity manageable through standardized algorithms and data structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4672059A1Patch complexity classification
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CROWDSTRIKE
  • EP4672059A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672059A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4672059A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an approach of collecting vulnerability data corresponding to a vulnerability of a target product. The approach provides the vulnerability data to an artificial intelligence model that is trained to determine a complexity indicator from the vulnerability data. The complexity indicator corresponds to applying a vulnerability patch to remediate the vulnerability. The approach determines a patch complexity classification by providing the complexity indicator to the artificial intelligence model and, in turn, provides the patch complexity classification to a target system corresponding to the target product.