CVE-2022-26871
Trend Micro Apex Central Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2022-26871 is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex Central that allows a remote attacker to upload and execute malicious files on affected servers, leading to remote code execution. The vulnerability exists in the file upload handler component and can be exploited without prior authentication in certain configurations. It was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. With an EPSS score of 51.0% (97.8th percentile), this vulnerability is a high-priority remediation target.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| trendmicro | apex central | 2019 |
| trendmicro | apex one | - |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- https://appweb.trendmicro.com/supportNews/NewsDetail.aspx?id=4435(Vendor Advisory)
- https://jvn.jp/vu/JVNVU99107357(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://success.trendmicro.com/jp/solution/000290660(Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000290678(Mitigation, Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://www.jpcert.or.jp/english/at/2022/at220008.html(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-26871(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
This weakness occurs when an application allows file uploads without properly validating the file type or content, enabling the upload of executable code or other dangerous files. In CVE-2022-26871, the Apex Central file upload component lacks sufficient validation, allowing attackers to upload malicious files that achieve remote code execution. For more details, see CWE-434.
Impact Analysis
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to achieve remote code execution on the Trend Micro Apex Central server, which is the centralized management console for an organization's Trend Micro security products. Compromise of this system is particularly severe because it provides attackers with visibility into the organization's security posture and potentially the ability to disable or manipulate security controls across the enterprise. An attacker controlling Apex Central could disable endpoint protection, suppress security alerts, and gain detailed knowledge of the organization's security monitoring capabilities, effectively blinding the organization to further malicious activity.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2022-26871 was confirmed as actively exploited and added to CISA's KEV catalog on March 31, 2022. The EPSS score of 51.0% (97.8th percentile) indicates significant exploitation activity. Trend Micro acknowledged the zero-day exploitation in its security advisory and attributed the attacks to sophisticated threat actors. The strategic value of compromising a security management console makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to advanced persistent threat groups.
Remediation
- Apply the Trend Micro Apex Central critical patch (build 6016 or later) immediately, as required by CISA's KEV catalog.
- Restrict network access to the Apex Central management interface to authorized administrator workstations only.
- Review Apex Central audit logs for suspicious file upload activity or unauthorized access attempts prior to patching.
- Verify the integrity of the Apex Central installation by checking for unauthorized files in web-accessible directories.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate security management infrastructure from the general network, limiting the impact of potential compromise.
Technical Details
The vulnerability exists in the file upload handling mechanism of Trend Micro Apex Central's web management interface. The affected component fails to properly validate uploaded file types and content, allowing an attacker to upload files with executable extensions or content to locations accessible by the web server. By uploading a crafted web shell or script file, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the Apex Central service account. The web-based nature of the attack vector means it can be exploited remotely by any attacker who can reach the Apex Central management interface over the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2022-26871?
CVE-2022-26871 is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex Central that allows remote attackers to upload malicious files for code execution. Apex Central is the centralized management platform for Trend Micro enterprise security products.
Why is compromising Apex Central particularly dangerous?
Apex Central is the central management console for an organization's Trend Micro security infrastructure. An attacker who compromises this system gains visibility into the organization's security posture, can potentially disable endpoint protection across the enterprise, and can suppress security alerts to cover their activities.
Has this been used in targeted attacks?
Yes, Trend Micro confirmed that the vulnerability was actively exploited in targeted attacks before the patch was available. The sophistication of the attacks suggests involvement of advanced persistent threat actors.
How can I verify my Apex Central installation is patched?
Check the Apex Central build number through the management console. Build 6016 or later includes the fix for this vulnerability. Trend Micro's security advisory provides detailed patching instructions.
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