Perform Automated Application Patch Management
Description
Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
Implementation Checklist
Tool Recommendations
Continuous vulnerability assessment and exposure management across IT assets, cloud, containers, and OT
Tenable · Per-asset subscription
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Qualys · Per-asset subscription
Vulnerability management platform with live dashboards, risk prioritization, and remediation workflows
Rapid7 · Per-asset subscription
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CrowdStrike · Per-endpoint subscription
Threats & Vulnerabilities (CIS RAM)
Threat Scenarios
Exploitation of Unpatched Third-Party Applications
ConfidentialityAttackers target vulnerabilities in unpatched third-party applications like browsers, PDF readers, Java, and office suites, which are frequently used as initial access vectors through phishing campaigns delivering malicious documents or links.
Supply Chain Attack via Outdated Application Dependencies
IntegrityUnpatched applications contain vulnerable libraries and dependencies that attackers exploit through supply chain attacks, as seen with SolarWinds and 3CX compromises where outdated application components were leveraged.
Zero-Day Exploitation Window Extended by Slow Application Patching
ConfidentialityWhen application vendors release emergency patches for actively exploited zero-days, the absence of automated application patching extends the organization's exposure window from hours to weeks or months.
Vulnerabilities (When Safeguard Absent)
No Automated Third-Party Application Patching
The organization relies on individual users or manual IT processes to update third-party applications, leaving hundreds of endpoints running outdated versions of commonly exploited software like Chrome, Adobe Reader, and Zoom.
Incomplete Application Inventory for Patch Coverage
Without a comprehensive inventory of installed applications, the automated patching system cannot ensure coverage of all deployed software, leaving shadow installations and non-standard applications perpetually unpatched.
Evidence Requirements
| Type | Evidence Item | Collection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Configuration screenshots or exports showing protection controls enabled | Captured quarterly |
| Document | Procedure documentation for protection measures | Reviewed annually |
| Document | Governing policy document (current, approved, communicated) | Reviewed annually |