CVE-2023-47193
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an origin validation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One security agent that allows a local attacker with low-privileged code execution to escalate privileges on affected installations. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain higher system privileges than they should have access to. Organizations using Trend Micro Apex One security agent are affected.
💻 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 persistent malware, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions, install additional malware, access sensitive data, and maintain persistence on compromised systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing initial low-privileged access required for exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and low-privileged code execution capability first. Similar to CVE-2023-47194 but not identical.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://success.trendmicro.com/dcx/s/solution/000295652?language=en_US
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Trend Micro advisory 000295652. 2. Download and apply the latest security patch from Trend Micro. 3. Restart affected systems. 4. Verify patch installation through Apex One console.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
windowsLimit local user access to systems running Apex One agent to reduce attack surface
Implement least privilege
windowsEnsure all user accounts operate with minimum necessary privileges to prevent initial low-privileged access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local access to systems
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Apex One agent version against patched versions in Trend Micro advisory 000295652Check Version:
Check Apex One console for agent version or use Trend Micro diagnostic toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify agent version is updated to patched version through Apex One management console📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Suspicious process creation with elevated privileges
- Apex One service manipulation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Lateral movement from previously low-privileged systems
- Unexpected outbound connections from Apex One managed systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName contains 'Apex' OR ParentProcessName contains 'Apex') AND NewProcessName contains privileged commands