Distribution of patches within vulnerable systems: a distributed model

This paper proposes an architecture for automated patch distribution on the network through a peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture. The authors contend that use of P2P systems to distribute software patches on networked computers will reduce average time of patch installation after release and improve compliance with patch installation due to ease of deployment. To facilitate such a patch distribution scheme, a standardized format for specification of patches based on a new XML schema that the authors have developed, entitled, software patch specification markup language (SPSML) is also presented.