CVE-2023-25148 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-25148, a vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One that could be exploited by a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations.

Understanding CVE-2023-25148

CVE-2023-25148 is a security agent link following vulnerability found in Trend Micro Apex One. This vulnerability could be leveraged by a local attacker to escalate privileges by manipulating a specific file into a pseudo-symlink. It's important to note that the attacker must first achieve the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-25148?

The CVE-2023-25148 vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One allows a local attacker to escalate privileges by changing a specific file into a pseudo-symlink. This manipulation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation on affected installations.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25148

The impact of CVE-2023-25148 is significant as it opens up the possibility for a local attacker to gain higher privileges than intended, potentially leading to further compromise of the system and sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25148

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25148, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One arises from a security agent link following issue that allows a local attacker to manipulate a specific file into a pseudo-symlink, granting them unauthorized privileges on affected installations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Trend Micro Apex One version 2019 (14.0) with a version number less than 14.0.0.11564. Users with this specific version are susceptible to the privilege escalation vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-25148, a local attacker must first gain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system. By leveraging this initial access, the attacker can manipulate the file into a pseudo-symlink to escalate their privileges on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-25148, it is crucial for users to take immediate steps to secure their systems, implement long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to monitor for security advisories from Trend Micro regarding CVE-2023-25148, restrict access to vulnerable systems, and ensure that all security measures are up to date to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall system security, organizations should implement best practices such as regular security audits, user permissions management, and ongoing security training to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Trend Micro may release patches or updates to address CVE-2023-25148. Users are encouraged to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.