CVE-2023-25148
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One allows a local attacker with low-privileged access to escalate privileges by manipulating file links. Attackers can change specific files into pseudo-symlinks to gain higher system privileges. Only users with local access to affected Apex One installations are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Trend Micro Apex One
📦 What is this software?
Apex One by Trendmicro
Apex One by Trendmicro
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with administrative/root privileges, enabling installation of malware, data theft, or lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install persistence mechanisms, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls prevent local code execution or if the vulnerability is patched before exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to execute code first. The link following technique is well-understood and relatively simple to implement once initial access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in references, but Trend Micro has released updates
Vendor Advisory: https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000292209
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Access Trend Micro Apex One management console. 2. Check for available updates. 3. Apply the security patch from Trend Micro. 4. Restart affected systems to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
windowsLimit local user access to systems running Apex One to reduce attack surface
Monitor file system changes
windowsImplement file integrity monitoring for Apex One installation directories
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls to prevent local code execution
- Monitor for suspicious file system activities and symlink creation in Apex One directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Apex One version against Trend Micro's advisory. Systems without the latest security patches are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Apex One console or agent properties for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Apex One is updated to the latest version and check that the security patch is applied through the management console.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file system operations in Apex One directories
- Symlink or junction creation events
- Privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4663 OR EventID=4656 with TargetObject containing Apex One paths AND AccessMask indicating file creation/modification