CVE-2021-45441 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Trend Micro Apex One is susceptible to an origin validation error vulnerability that could enable a local attacker to manipulate files, issue commands, and escalate privileges. This CVE affects versions 2019 and SaaS.

Understanding CVE-2021-45441

This CVE involves an origin validation error local privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One.

What is CVE-2021-45441?

CVE-2021-45441 is a security vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS) that allows a local attacker to exploit the system by executing specially crafted files to gain higher privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45441

The vulnerability could result in a local attacker being able to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to higher privilege levels and compromising system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45441

This section outlines the technical specifics of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The origin validation error vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One allows attackers to manipulate files to issue commands and escalate privileges on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Trend Micro Apex One
Versions Affected: 2019, SaaS

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must first execute low-privileged code on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2021-45441 with the following steps.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Trend Micro Apex One to the latest patched version.
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive areas of the system.
Implement the principle of least privilege.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
Educate users on safe computing practices.
Maintain a proactive stance on system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from Trend Micro.
Apply patches promptly to ensure system security.