Updating Agents

Upgrading the PatchQuest agent software 'manually' every time a new version of the agent is available in the PatchQuest server, is a tedious task. To eliminate this manual procedure, PatchQuest has the provision to automatically upgrade the agent software versions, from the web interface of PatchQuest.

Windows Agent Updates

From release 4.3 (build 4300), Windows agent updates will be available as a part of the vulnerability database updates. Applying updates is similar to applying a patch on the system. The update will be downloaded from the Central Repository Server and stored in PatchQuest. It will then be sent to the agent with instructions to upgrade itself.

When a newer version of the agent is available with the server, it will be identified (on scanning) and displayed as a missing patch in the Scan Result screen implying that the agent in a particular system needs to be updated. From here, a simple select-and-click will take care of upgrading the agent version to the latest.

Linux Agent Updates

Any version updates to the Linux agent software will come with the PatchQuest server, when the PatchQuest Server is upgraded. When the agent running in a target system contacts the server, it submits its version information. If there is a version mismatch, meaning a newer version of the agent is available with the server, it will be identified and displayed in this screen implying that the agent in a particular system needs to be updated. From here, a simple select-and-click will take care of updating the agent version to the latest.

Upgrading All Agents at once

This provision is available in the web interface from the Settings tab --> Agent Administration screen. The 'latest' agent version is displayed on the top of the screen in the 'Agent Update Version Info' table. All agents need to be in sync with this version to function effectively. 

The system table displays the following information :

• name of the systems in which the agent is installed
• the "version update status" of the agent - whether it is up-to-date  (green tick) with the most recent version or needs update (red cross)
• the operational state of the agent - whether the agent is running or offline
• the version of the agent that is currently installed on the system

You can select the agents which have 'Update Status' showing 'Needs update', and click on the 'Upgrade Agent' button. Ensure that the system is up and the agent is running before you carry out the update. All the agents can also be simultaneously updated using the 'Upgrade All Agents' button. Upgrades can also be scheduled on Windows systems.

Once the upgrade request has been sent, revisit this screen after a while to view the status of the request. You will need to rescan a Windows systems to check if the agent update patch has been applied successfully.