Third-Party Patching: Mitigating Risks in a Shared Business Ecosystem

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The Business Footprint of Third-Party Software: A Hidden Attack Surface

When discussing attack surfaces, security teams often focus on visible components such as servers, identity systems, and cloud workloads. However, everyday tools used to perform tasks, such as PDF readers, compression utilities, and remote access clients, are frequently overlooked. These background applications are an integral part of the digital economy and are often deployed without much debate. They become part of the environment by default, as contracts, finance, and HR tasks rely on them.

The Ubiquity of Third-Party Software

The ubiquity of these tools makes them attractive targets for threat actors. Attackers focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in widely used software, such as PDF engines, spreadsheet parsers, and remote access utilities, rather than targeting unique architectures. This approach relies on the familiarity of users with these tools, making it more likely that attacks will succeed.

The Standardization of Third-Party Software

The use of similar software across organizations is driven by the need for compatibility and standardization. This standardization creates a predictable attack surface, as attackers can expect to find certain tools in most environments. The exploitation of vulnerabilities in these tools can be highly effective, as they are often deeply ingrained in business workflows.

The Challenge of Securing Third-Party Software

A significant challenge in securing these tools is the lack of visibility into their deployment and patching. Unlike operating systems, which have well-established update pipelines, third-party utilities can be difficult to track and patch. Vendors may use different installers, and some tools may not auto-update, leading to a fragmented landscape of versions and vulnerabilities.

The Accumulation of Technical Debt

The accumulation of technical debt in these tools can have significant consequences. A five-year-old PDF reader, for example, can carry five years of cumulative exploit potential. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers, who do not need to develop new exploits but can instead rely on existing ones.

The Human Factor

The human factor also plays a crucial role in the exploitation of these tools. Users trust these applications and often do not question their security. Opening a PDF or previewing an attachment does not feel like running code, making it difficult to detect compromises.

Addressing the Risk

To effectively address the risk posed by third-party software, organizations must look beyond the platform layer and consider the tools used in everyday work. This requires a shift in perspective, from focusing solely on infrastructure to understanding how work is actually done. By examining the standard business suite across endpoints and how it evolves, teams can better understand their exposure and take steps to mitigate it.

Third-party patching is often seen as an operational task, but it carries significant strategic importance. By prioritizing the patching of these tools, organizations can reduce their real-world risk and prevent exploitation. This requires continuous visibility into third-party software and the ability to remediate vulnerable applications quickly and consistently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the business footprint of third-party software is a hidden attack surface that requires attention. By understanding the tools used in everyday work and prioritizing their patching, organizations can reduce their exposure and prevent exploitation.