CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-52091NVD status: Modified

Trend Micro Apex One: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-52091 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One from Trend Micro, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 14.0.0.12534 as the first without the flaw, so updating Trend Micro Apex One to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.31% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Trend Micro Apex One to 14.0.0.12534 or a later version.
  2. Update Trend Micro Apex One as a Service to 14.0.12849 or a later version.
  3. Update Apex One to 14.0.12849 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on success.trendmicro.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Trend MicroTrend Micro Apex One2019 (14.0) up to, but not including, 14.0.0.1253414.0.0.12534
Trend MicroTrend Micro Apex One as a ServiceSaaS up to, but not including, 14.0.1284914.0.12849
Trend MicroApex Onebefore 14.0.12849; 201914.0.12849

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
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.8HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

An anti-spyware engine link following 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.

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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in Trend Micro Apex One

All Trend Micro Apex One vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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