Patents on Software Security

There is a company that is trying to patent software security patches which are developed by third parties. This is either the worst idea ever or the biggest joke on the patent system. In essence they want to patent the solution to a problem, then charge people to use that solution, even though the "invention" in question isn't really a new thing but fixing the absence of a thing. It's like if someone invented a new lock, but accidentally made the deadbolts out of marshmallow, and someone else came along and tried to patent making the deadbolt out of steel. The original invention called for steel, or something strong, but an implementation flaw lead to poor security. But now this new company comes along and says, "Aha! If we replace the marshmallow.... perfect!" as if it weren't completely obvious what's wrong with the locks. If this company gets any patents for this nonsense, and actually wins in court, it will be proof (as if more proof is needed) that the patent system is fundamentally and completely broken.