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Contents:
Patch management tools identify software applications running on outdated versions. This is a vital process, regardless of company’s business goal.
Let’s talk about free and/or open-source patch management tools and what they can do for your business.
Why are Open Source Patch Management Tools Important?
Open-Source patch management tools are vital because they close critical security gaps.
Edgescan’s 2023 Vulnerability Statistics Report uncovered several interesting facts regarding this:
- Non-internet facing systems have a significant risk density.
- Mean Time to Remediation (MTTR) for Critical Severity vulnerabilities is 65 days
- 33% of all vulnerabilities across the full stack discovered in 2022 were either High or Critical Severity
- The most common application layer and API vulnerabilities are still Injection related.
- 13.5% of vulnerabilities in an enterprise’s backlog are either high or critical severity.
These are a few of the about statistics covered by the report. For more additional info, I recommend you read the whole thing.
8 Best Open Source Patch Management Tools
Now that we’ve emphasized the why, it’s time to get to the true star of this article – the solutions. To help you get started on your way towards true vulnerability management!
I’ve presented eight of the best free and/or open-source patch management tools. These will give you a sense of what your enterprise needs and who out there cut you the best deal.
Bonus Tool: Heimdal® Patch & Asset Management
Just a quick note before we move on. I know that our tool is neither free nor open-source, but we do we have a 30-day, no strings attached trial. If you’re interested in giving us a try, shoot us a note and we’ll get back to you.
Here are some reasons why you should try out our patch management solution.
KEY FEATURES
- Centralized Console. Streamlines patch management through an integrated dashboard. Enables efficient control and overview of software inventories.
- Support for Multiple Platforms.
- Customizable Patching Options. Allows customization of patching schedules, prioritization of user groups.
- Support for Over 180 Applications. Includes ready-to-use support for a wide range of third-party applications, ensuring extensive coverage.
- Swift Patch Deployment. Industry-leading time frame from vendor to user, with a waiting period of less than 4 hours.
- Policy and Compliance Control. Automates software deployment configurations while ensuring compliance standards.
- Infinity Management Add-On. Provides extra automation capabilities for internal software or applications through command-line scripting.
- Strong Data Encryption. Guarantees the security of data in transit with robust encryption techniques.
- Local P2P Patch Distribution. Reduces bandwidth requirements and removes dependence on client-server models.
- Ensured Continuous Compliance. Ensures compliance with key industry standards and regulations.
#2 PDQ Deploy
A patch management tool for Windows that can update 3rd party apps and deploy custom scripts. The solution comes with a package library of over 200 popular applications ready-to-deploy.
KEY FEATURES
- Automatic download and scheduling of software updates via the PDQ Deploy package library.
- Deploy several applications with one click with the nested package feature.
- Patch prioritization and customized scheduling allow you to build your strategy.
- Inventory scan option that reveals the most recent updates made available by developers.
- Failed patch queue feature. On downtime detection, it resumes updates when the connection is re-established.
#3 Comodo
Comodo addresses vulnerabilities that create security weaknesses or system unavailability. It manages patches for Windows, Linux, and third-party applications.
KEY FEATURES
- Change Management. Facilitates the tracking and implementation of changes in the system.
- Installation and Deployment. Streamlines the process of installing and deploying patches across various systems.
- Audit & Assessment. Offers tools for auditing and assessing the current patch status and system vulnerabilities.
- Consistency and Compliance. Ensures that all devices and software within a network are up-to-date and compliant.
- Automatic System Discovery. Discovers all managed endpoints in the network for patch deployment.
#4 Miradore
Mirador offers a streamlined approach for maintaining Windows and Mac security and performance. It focuses on automating the patch management process.
KEY FEATURES
- Automated Patch Management. Automates the patching process for Windows and macOS devices. Reduces the complexity of managing many patches.
- Enhanced Visibility. Provides detailed reports and insights on patch releases and installation status.
- Support for Many Vendors. Supports a wide range of software products from almost 100 vendors.
- Four-Stage Patching Process. Detection, reporting, testing, and the deployment of patches.
- Security and Compliance. Addresses security vulnerabilities to prevent breaches. Ensures compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
#5 Local Update Publisher
Is an open-source tool designed to deploy app and updates in a domain or workgroup. It leverages the WSUS API for its operations.
KEY FEATURES
- Ability to publish applications to a domain or workgroup.
- Facility to create rules defining installation behaviour.
- Capabilities to track the progress of installations.
- Integration with WSUS groups for approvals.
- Use existing WSUS infrastructure and support for many parent and child servers.
#6 Ansible
Is an open-source IT automation engine. Use Ansible to automate tasks across various systems and platforms. Also, it can enhance efficiency and consistency in managing updates and installations.
KEY FEATURES
- Automated Patching and Updating for Linux Systems. Can automate the patching and updating process across different Linux distributions. Automation includes tasks like updating system packages and checking for latest versions.
- Module-based Approach. Ansible uses modules for automating tasks. You can use these to do a wide range of automation tasks.
- Agentless Architecture. One of the distinguishing features of Ansible is its agentless nature. It connects to managed nodes using SSH protocol and executes the necessary tasks.
- Playbooks for Orchestration. Ansible utilizes YAML-based playbooks to orchestrate complex IT processes.
- Ad-hoc Commands for Single Tasks. Execute ad-hoc commands for automating single tasks. Playbooks are also available. Useful for one-time tasks that might not need the reusability of a playbook.
- Task Execution and System Restart. Use Ansible for system updates, restart systems, and reconnect. Ensures that systems are running the latest software versions. Handles the specific software packages, contributing to a streamlined system management process.
#7 SysWard
Brings ease of use and efficiency to Linux server patch management.
KEY FEATURES
- Support for various Linux operating systems.
- Simplified management of mixed server environments with tools tailored for each supported OS.
- System-wide overview. Grants visibility over pending updates, patch failures, and management of inactive hosts.
- Critical alerts and CVE notifications. Based on installed packages, with options for instant notification via email and chat.
- Patch tracking.
- Safe deployment features using groups and tags for organized and environment-specific patch rollouts.
- Track software patches across many servers.
- One-click upgrades and quick filtering for precise package management.
#8 OPSI (Open PC Server Integration)
OPSI is an open-source device management tool that offers key automatic patching features. This tool is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
KEY FEATURES
- Automatic software distribution.
- Patch management.
- Automated installation of operating systems (both package and image-based).
- Configuration management.
- Hardware & software inventory management.
#9 GFI LanGuard
An endpoint protection software which enables you to discover and close vulnerabilities. It allows admins to scan networks or perform scans on demand.
The tool can also balance the processing load using agents. This feature improves patching flows. Moreover, you can deploy patches from a central interface. Admins can also scan networks for missing patches and vulnerabilities.
GFI LanGuard supports Windows, macOS, Linux OS, as well as third-party applications.
KEY FEATURES
- On-demand and automatic network scanning.
- Deployment and installation of Microsoft Windows and third-party updates or patches.
- MDM features. Can help you set up Android and iOS devices. GFI LanGuard can help you discover mobile vulnerabilities.
- UX-oriented design. The web-based dashboard simplifies logging and reporting. It also offers granular control over what goes on in your endpoints.
- Identify and auto-downloads missing patches and updates.
- Compatible with all vulnerability assessment standards includes SANS Top 20 and OVAL.
Wrapping Up…
Demoing an open-source patch management tool is the best way to improve cybersecurity.
Yet, it might not be enough to keep high-risk vulnerabilities in check. Implementing advanced update and asset tracking features comes at an extra cost.
Upgrading to a paid package means unlocking state-of-the art capabilities.
This is key for scalability. Mix-matching various tools with different functionalities can impact integration. Paid solutions such as our Heimdal®’s Patch & Asset Management are the answer to this issue.
Cristian is a Content Editor & Creator at Heimdal®, where he developed a deep understanding of the digital threat landscape. His style resonates with both technical and non-technical readers, proof being in his skill of communicating cybersecurity norms effectively, in an easy-to-understand manner.
Please change the title if you not have open source software don’t say that,
Are ANY of these “Free and Open Source”?
Why are you saying they are?
Hey, how is manageengine, action1 and pulseway opensource or free. Very misleading and very disappointed in it.
great post it is very helpful