Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
CVE-2022-27883 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac from Trend Micro, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac versions: 11.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.21% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 69% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on helpcenter.trendmicro.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trend Micro | Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac | 11.5 | Not stated |
| Trend Micro | Antivirus For Mac | 11.5 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.3 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 8.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
A link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac 11.5 could allow an attacker to create a specially-crafted file as a symlink that can lead to privilege escalation. Please note that an attacker must at least have low-level privileges on the system to attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-546/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.