External risk intelligence

Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security Command Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-41179

A vulnerability in Trend Micro products allows an attacker with administrative access to execute arbitrary commands, posing a risk of system compromise and data manipulation. This impacts organizations using Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security.

2Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Trendmicro Apex One

201910.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-41179

The vulnerability requires an attacker to already possess administrative console access to the target system before the flaw can be exploited. Because this prerequisite involves authenticated, high-privileged access to an internal management component, it is unlikely to be reachable from the public internet in typical deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within a third-party uninstaller module used by Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security products. This flaw could enable an attacker with existing administrative access to execute commands on an affected system. The potential impact includes unauthorized command execution, which could lead to broader system compromise and data manipulation.

  • Vulnerable uninstaller module
  • Allows arbitrary command execution
  • Business risk of system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating a third-party uninstaller module within affected Trend Micro products. This manipulation allows for the execution of arbitrary commands on a system. This attack requires the attacker to already have administrative console access to the target system.

  • Requires administrative console access.
  • Attacker manipulates uninstaller module.
  • Results in arbitrary command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability within a third-party uninstaller module present in specific Trend Micro products could permit an attacker to execute arbitrary commands. Successful exploitation requires the attacker to already have administrative console access to the affected system. This situation presents a significant risk, as it could lead to unauthorized command execution and potential compromise of business systems.

  • Attacker skill level: High
  • Required access: Administrative console access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability exists within Trend Micro's uninstaller modules for Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security products. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker with administrative console access to execute arbitrary commands on an affected system. This could lead to the compromise of systems, data, and the introduction of business risk. Organizations using these Trend Micro products should take immediate steps to address this issue.

  • Identify all Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security installations.
  • Reduce exposure by restricting administrative console access.
  • Apply vendor fixes, verify their implementation, and monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What are Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security?

Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security are endpoint security solutions designed to protect computers and servers from malware and other cyber threats. Businesses use these products to manage and enforce security policies across their networks.

How does CVE-2023-41179 enable command execution?

CVE-2023-41179 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code). It resides in a third-party uninstaller module, allowing an attacker who has already gained administrative console access to manipulate this module and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.

What is the trigger path for CVE-2023-41179?

An attacker manipulates a third-party uninstaller module to execute arbitrary commands. This attack requires the attacker to have already obtained administrative console access to the target system, negating the need for further privilege escalation on that specific system.

What is the relevance of the Halo Surface Signal for CVE-2023-41179?

The Halo Surface Signal indicates this vulnerability is 'Unlikely' to be exploited from the public internet because it requires an attacker to already possess administrative console access to the target system. This prerequisite limits its reachability outside of authenticated internal networks.

What steps should organizations take regarding this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security installations, restrict administrative console access, and apply vendor-provided fixes. Verifying the implementation of these fixes and monitoring for related suspicious activity are also crucial steps.

References