CVE-2022-26337
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Trend Micro Password Manager installer allows attackers to place malicious DLL files in specific directories, which the installer then loads with elevated privileges. This enables local privilege escalation from a lower-privileged account to SYSTEM/administrator level. Only users with Trend Micro Password Manager (Consumer) version 5.0.0.1262 or below are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Trend Micro Password Manager (Consumer)
📦 What is this software?
Password Manager by Trendmicro
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains full SYSTEM privileges on the compromised machine, enabling complete control, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Local attacker with limited privileges escalates to administrator/SYSTEM level to install malware, steal credentials, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to proper file permissions, user account restrictions, or security software blocking DLL sideloading attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to write files to specific directories; DLL hijacking/sideloading techniques are well-documented and relatively simple to implement.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.0.0.1263 and above
Vendor Advisory: https://helpcenter.trendmicro.com/en-us/article/tmka-10954
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Trend Micro Password Manager. 2. Check for updates in settings. 3. Install available updates. 4. Verify version is 5.0.0.1263 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict DLL loading permissions
windowsSet strict file permissions on installer directories to prevent unauthorized DLL placement
icacls "C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\Password Manager" /deny Everyone:(OI)(CI)(WD,AD)
Disable unnecessary services
windowsDisable Trend Micro Password Manager services if not actively used
sc config "TMPMService" start= disabled
sc stop "TMPMService"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Trend Micro Password Manager entirely if not needed
- Implement strict file system permissions and monitor for unauthorized DLL files in program directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed version in Control Panel > Programs and Features or via 'About' in Trend Micro Password ManagerCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Trend Micro Password Manager%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 5.0.0.1263 or higher and test DLL loading behavior📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing DLL loading from unusual locations
- Process Monitor logs showing installer loading unexpected DLLs
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=7 AND (ImagePath:*Trend Micro* AND ImageLoaded:*dll) AND NOT (ImageLoaded:*System32* OR ImageLoaded:*Program Files*)