full-disclosure - Re: Getting Off the Patch

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Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:08:54 -0800
From: cpolish@...ewest.net
To: full-disclosure@...ts.grok.org.uk
Subject: Re: Getting Off the Patch

Cor Rosielle wrote:
> I don't agree with the statement: "From a security standpoint, patching is
> better than not patching.  Period.".
> 
> Sometimes patching is the right solution, often it is not. Since some asked
> experiences from larger companies, here is one:
<snip>
> I did not know about the OSSTMM in those days. If I did, I could have
> explained why patching is not always the best solution: it interferes with
> your operations. And if it influences you operations, you better control it.
> Not blindly execute it and install the patch using an automated update
> process, but actually control it. 
<snip>

Here's another factor to consider: with $VENDOR's kit you can't
get support unless all the released patches are in place.
$VENDOR doesn't field the resources to support n differently
patched systems in the field; they're already coping with n
different *configurations* of their product. At our shop some
vendors are more critical re support than others so there's not
a blanket policy. Management would not be amused if $SYSTEM was
down but wasn't in a $VENDOR-supported state. This isn't
theoretical - it happened, it was ugly, it came with extended
downtime. 

TLDR: site patching policy is not always homogenous.

-- 
Charles Polisher

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