CVE-2022-24680
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a local attacker with low-privileged code execution to escalate privileges by creating mount points and deleting arbitrary folders in Trend Micro security products. Affected systems include Trend Micro Apex One, Apex One as a Service, and Worry-Free Business Security installations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Trend Micro Apex One
- Trend Micro Apex One as a Service
- Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1
- Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services
📦 What is this software?
Apex One by Trendmicro
Apex One by Trendmicro
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with administrative privileges, enabling data destruction, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring prevent initial low-privileged code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and initial low-privileged code execution. ZDI advisory suggests exploit is reliable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apex One: Hotfix 23598 or later; Worry-Free: Hotfix 23600 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290464
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download appropriate hotfix from Trend Micro support portal. 2. Deploy hotfix to all affected endpoints. 3. Restart systems to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user privileges
windowsLimit ability of local users to execute arbitrary code through application whitelisting and least privilege principles.
Monitor for suspicious mount operations
windowsImplement monitoring for mount point creation and folder deletion operations in security logs.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Trend Micro agent version in Control Manager or via 'tmctl --version' command on endpoint.Check Version:
tmctl --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify agent version is at or above patched versions: Apex One Hotfix 23598+, Worry-Free Hotfix 23600+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual mount point creation events
- Suspicious folder deletion operations
- Privilege escalation attempts in security logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Trend Micro agent processes
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%tm%' AND CommandLine CONTAINS 'mount' OR EventID=4663 AND ObjectName LIKE '%TrendMicro%'🔗 References
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290464
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290486
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-369/
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290464
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290486
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-369/
