Patch management fixes known software flaws before attackers exploit them, reducing intrusion risk; prioritize critical systems and verify deployment.
Search across headline titles and summaries.
Background for this topic.
Patch is a software, firmware, or configuration update that fixes a defect, including a vulnerability an attacker could use to gain access, execute code, escalate privileges, or expose data. Patching reduces the exploitable attack surface across operating systems, applications, network devices, and embedded systems; it does not remove risk from unsupported or misconfigured assets, and updates can sometimes introduce compatibility or availability problems.
Effective patch management starts with an accurate inventory and vulnerability assessment, then prioritizes internet-facing systems, high-impact assets, and flaws known to be exploited. Organizations should test updates where practical, deploy them within defined time limits, verify installation, and retain rollback or compensating controls when immediate patching is unsafe. Monitoring vendor advisories and threat intelligence can identify urgent fixes, while documenting exceptions and coverage supports vulnerability management and audit requirements.
Samba has released software updates to remediate multiple vulnerabilities that, if successfully exploited, could allow an attacker to take control of affected systems
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added two vulnerabilities impacting Veeam Backup & Replication software to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog, citing evidence of active exploitation in the wild
Microsoft has revised the severity of a security vulnerability it originally patched in September 2022, upgrading it to "Critical" after it emerged that it could be exploited to achieve remote code execution
Tech giant Microsoft released its last set of monthly security updates for 2022 with fixes for 49 vulnerabilities across its software products
Fortinet on Monday issued emergency patches for a severe security flaw affecting its FortiOS SSL-VPN product that it said is being actively exploited in the wild