Source: security@trendmicro.com
An origin validation error vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
Trend Micro Apex One is vulnerable to a local privilege escalation due to an origin validation error, allowing attackers with initial access to gain elevated system privileges. This vulnerability requires an attacker to first execute low-privileged code on the system, making it a post-exploitation concern. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Step 1: Initial Access: The attacker gains low-privileged code execution on the target system, potentially through phishing, social engineering, or exploiting another vulnerability.
Step 2: Reconnaissance: The attacker identifies the Trend Micro Apex One installation and its version.
Step 3: Payload Crafting: The attacker crafts a malicious request, leveraging the origin validation error. This request could be designed to trigger a specific function or exploit a known vulnerability within Apex One.
Step 4: Request Delivery: The attacker sends the crafted request to the Apex One service, likely through a local communication channel.
Step 5: Exploitation: The Apex One service processes the malicious request, bypassing the inadequate origin validation. This leads to the execution of the attacker's code with elevated privileges.
Step 6: Privilege Escalation: The attacker's code executes with higher privileges, allowing them to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, or gaining control of the entire system.
The vulnerability stems from a flaw in how Trend Micro Apex One validates the origin of requests, likely within a component handling local communication or configuration. The origin validation mechanism is insufficient, allowing a local attacker to craft malicious requests that bypass security checks. This could involve manipulating parameters, injecting malicious code, or exploiting a logic error in the origin verification process. The root cause is likely a failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input, leading to a situation where the application trusts a malicious origin. This could manifest as a path traversal vulnerability, command injection, or other forms of code execution within the context of a higher-privileged process. The lack of proper input validation allows the attacker to control the execution flow of the application, leading to privilege escalation.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to exploiting this vulnerability at this time, any threat actor with the capability to gain initial access to a system running Trend Micro Apex One would likely attempt to exploit this vulnerability. This includes financially motivated cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, and other malicious actors. CISA KEV status: Not Listed.
Monitor system logs for suspicious activity related to Trend Micro Apex One processes, including unusual network connections or file modifications.
Analyze network traffic for unusual requests to Apex One services, particularly those originating from the local system.
Examine Apex One configuration files for unauthorized modifications.
Implement host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to monitor for malicious file creation or modification within the Apex One installation directory.
Monitor for unusual process creation or termination related to Apex One components.
Review event logs for errors or warnings related to origin validation or access control within Apex One.
Apply the vendor-provided patch immediately. This is the most critical step.
Implement strong access controls to limit user privileges on affected systems.
Regularly update all software, including the operating system and other applications, to patch known vulnerabilities.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for suspicious activity.
Implement a robust intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS).
Conduct regular vulnerability scans to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Implement a defense-in-depth strategy, including network segmentation and endpoint security solutions.
Review and harden the Apex One configuration, ensuring that unnecessary features are disabled.