Full Disclosure mailing list archives
Re: Getting Off the Patch
From: cpolish () surewest net
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:08:54 -0800
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 _______________________________________________ Full-Disclosure - We believe in it. Charter: http://lists.grok.org.uk/full-disclosure-charter.html Hosted and sponsored by Secunia - http://secunia.com/
Current thread:
- Re: Getting Off the Patch, (continued)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cal Leeming [Simplicity Media Ltd] (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Christian Sciberras (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cal Leeming [Simplicity Media Ltd] (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Valdis . Kletnieks (Jan 18)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Thor (Hammer of God) (Jan 18)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cor Rosielle (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Jeffrey Walton (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Christian Sciberras (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cor Rosielle (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Valdis . Kletnieks (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch cpolish (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Valdis . Kletnieks (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Thor (Hammer of God) (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Thor (Hammer of God) (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cor Rosielle (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Pete Smith (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cal Leeming [Simplicity Media Ltd] (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Cal Leeming [Simplicity Media Ltd] (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Phil (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Tracy Reed (Jan 19)
- Re: Getting Off the Patch Pete Smith (Jan 19)