CVE-2023-47195
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an origin validation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One security agent that allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Attackers must first gain low-privileged code execution on the target system to exploit this vulnerability. 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 privileges, enabling lateral movement, data exfiltration, and persistence establishment.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, and access sensitive system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper access controls, network segmentation, and endpoint protection preventing initial low-privileged access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to execute low-privileged code first; similar to CVE-2023-47196 but distinct vulnerability
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://success.trendmicro.com/dcx/s/solution/000295652?language=en_US
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Access Trend Micro Apex One management console. 2. Check for available updates. 3. Apply the security patch provided by Trend Micro. 4. Restart affected systems as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user privileges
windowsLimit local user accounts to prevent initial low-privileged code execution required for exploitation
Implement application whitelisting
windowsUse application control policies to prevent unauthorized code execution
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls to limit local user capabilities
- Deploy additional endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Trend Micro Apex One agent version against vendor advisory; review system logs for unauthorized privilege escalation attemptsCheck Version:
Check Trend Micro Apex One console or agent properties for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Trend Micro Apex One agent has been updated to patched version; test privilege escalation attempts in controlled environment📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unauthorized process creation with elevated privileges
- Security agent service anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems with Trend Micro Apex One
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%trend%' AND NewProcessName NOT IN (approved_process_list)