Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: Betr.: Re: MS Patches Management software: SUS vs 3rd party
From: "McGill, Lachlan" <mcgilll1 () anz com>
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2003 09:15:55 +1100
UpdateExpert is another patching tool very worthy of consideration. See it at http://www.stbernard.com/products/updateexpert/products_updateexpert.asp -----Original Message----- From: Philip Wagenaar [mailto:p.wagenaar () accon nl] Sent: Wednesday, 29 October 2003 7:11 PM To: security-basics () securityfocus com Subject: Betr.: Re: MS Patches Management software: SUS vs 3rd party We are also currently looking at a solution for updating our clients and servers. We have tested SUS server (free from Microsoft) as disucced before. The major drawback is that if a new unpatched client connects to it, it retrieves all patches at once. There is no management in SUS, except approving new updates. Currently Microsoft is holding a betaprogram for the next version of SUS http://www.betanews.com/article.php3?sid=1060982281 where you can find out more about it (or just go directly to http://www.betaplace.com (Microsoft's betaprogram's website) and log in using the Guest ID MSUSCustNom Another program we are going to test is Service Pack Manager from www.raxco.nl. This program has much better management options and supports NT 4. Met vriendelijke groet, Philip Wagenaar AccoN Accountants & Adviseurs ICT Project Bureau Postbus 5090 6802 EB Arnhem The Netherlands tel. +31 (0)26-3842384 fax. +31 (0)26-3630222 mobile: +31 (0)6-25388935 MSN/E-mail: p.wagenaar () accon nl http://www.accon.nl
Charles Otstot <charles.otstot () ncmail net> 28-10-03 14:05 >>>
Andres, If they are planning to include the Windows NT 4.0 servers for the period they are in use, SUS is out. SUS only works on 2000 and above. Shavlik make a couple of products, HFNETCHK Pro (paid version) and HFNETCHK LT (free version). LT was limited in it's abilities at one point, I've not really kept up with it, but it is suitable for some locations. As to other commercial products, ST Bernard and Shavlik both do a solid job for MS patches. If you want more that Microsoft patches, about the only product available is PatchLink (patchlink.com). PatchLink does a reasonably good job for MS patches,but also provides the ability to patch other OSes and application vendor products. The other primary players in this market are Service Pack Manager (I tested this product and was not overly impressed.) and a farily new product by Ecora which I have not tested (I completed my testing before the product was introduced.) I would note that, given the tone of your posting, it is highly unlikely that the servers have reached a consistent patch level. You may find that patching with any of the patch distribution tools in this scenario will not be totally successful initially. You may want to consider recommending (or creating for them) batch files for an initial rollout to bring the servers to a consistent patch level *before* using any of the patch tools. Most of the products will allow you to set mandatory patch levels, but they will also being patching *immediately* if you place a server into a group with mandatory patches (no ability to schedule=reboots at bad times). The rationale (as best as I can figure) is that a server should not be in use if it is non-compliant, and if a server already in use *becomes* non-compliant with your mandatory configuration, immediate action is required. This may help you avoid an easy trap to fall into (i.e. setting your mandatory patches and placing all your servers into the group at initial setup). Once you have patched to the necessary level, you can place servers into mandatory groups if you desire. Again, don't put new patches into the mandatory until they've been rolled out. At this point, you can schedule new patches to be rolled out individually (and where required) with installation and reboot at any time the server owner requires. I would also recommend that they centralize antivirus services with one or more master servers passing out updates to client servers. Symantec's Corporate Edition is fairly easy and straightforward to configure and with the System Center Console installed, is easy to manage. The major issue I see with either of these two pieces is the (apparently) total decentralization of server management. All of the patch distribution mechanisms and Symantec CE assume/depend on at least some level of centralized management. Obviously, the more inmportant and difficult issues you face (e.g. lack of policies) are completely dependent upon at least some level of centralized management/authority. It really seems to me that your first and foremost recommendation has to be that the client develop some sort of centralized control, otherwise they have no real hope of resolving their issues (if they consider the things you've listed issues at all). Charlie Andres Martinez wrote:
I'm looking the best solution for one of our customers to deal with the administration and deployment of security patches, if somebody can make a recommendation based on real experience I'll appreciate. Customer server environment: 125 servers: 80% Windows 2000 - 20 % Windows NT 4.0 (They are planning to get rid of NT servers soon) All servers on same physical location. There is no central administration of servers: Server managment provided for different people with different Technical skills. Hard to get control. Few IT resources. By default Windows installations = High risk of security problems. Lack of security policies for server management and security. Very reactive to solve problems. Lack of software or scripts to automatize processes like patches deployment. They already have had serious problems due to virus like welchia and blaster who exploit know security vulnerabilities. Corporate Symantec antivirus used for virus protection, but not installed on all servers, problems with antivirus updates on some servers. It is hard to obtain approval for reboot servers due to mission critical role and business nature (healthcare industry), so minimun downtime is required. What would you use ? MS Sofware Update Services (SUS) which is free or Third party software like Hfnetchk Pro or St Bernard Update expert (http://www.mcpmag.com/Features/print.asp?EditorialsID=354) Waiting for your comments Thanks Andres --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forum Systems PRESIDIO: PGP / XML GATEWAY APPLIANCE The Presidio integrates PGP data encryption and XML Web Services security to simplify the management and deployment of PGP and reduce overall PGP costs by up to 80%. FREE WHITEPAPER & 30 Day Trial - http://www.securityfocus.com/sponsor/ForumSystems_security-basics_031027 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Current thread:
- Betr.: Re: MS Patches Management software: SUS vs 3rd party Philip Wagenaar (Oct 29)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- RE: Betr.: Re: MS Patches Management software: SUS vs 3rd party McGill, Lachlan (Oct 30)