An operating system noncritical patch to enhance system security cannot be applied due to application conflict. What is the best solution?

The best solution in this scenario is to implement compensating controls to mitigate the risks associated with not installing the noncritical patch. When a security patch cannot be applied due to conflicts with existing applications, it is essential to address the potential vulnerabilities that the patch would have remedied.

By implementing compensating controls, you can reduce the security exposure created by the lack of the patch. This could include measures such as enhancing monitoring, improving access controls, applying additional security configurations, or implementing other protective technologies designed to reduce the risk until the patch can be applied safely. These controls effectively lower the overall risk to the system while remaining operational.

The other options, while they may seem viable, often involve higher risks or require significant resources. Rewriting the application to conform to the upgraded operating system can be an extensive and costly endeavor, with no guarantee of success. Altering the patch could introduce unexpected vulnerabilities, as it might violate the integrity of the patch and lead to further security risks. Running the application on a test platform can help identify compatibility issues but does not directly address the security risk posed by the unpatched operating system, as it merely delays the resolution without substantial risk mitigation.