CVE-2020-24556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, OfficeScan XG SP1, Worry-Free Business Security 10 SP1, and Worry-Free Business Security Services on Microsoft Windows may allow an attacker to create a hard link to any file on the system, leading to privilege escalation and code execution. This CVE affects specific versions of Trend Micro products.

Understanding CVE-2020-24556

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro security products on Microsoft Windows.

What is CVE-2020-24556?

The vulnerability allows attackers to create a hard link to manipulate files, potentially gaining elevated privileges and executing malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24556

Exploiting this vulnerability requires the attacker to execute low-privileged code on the target system first. Systems running versions prior to Windows 10 version 1909 are affected.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24556

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables attackers to create hard links to system files, leading to privilege escalation and code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Trend Micro Apex One: Version 2009 (on premise), SaaS
Trend Micro OfficeScan: Version XG SP1
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security: Version 10 SP1, Services (SaaS)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers must first execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-24556 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Trend Micro products to the latest patched versions.
Consider upgrading Windows to version 1909 or newer to mitigate hard link vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access.
Regularly monitor and audit file system changes for suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Trend Micro for the affected products.