CVE-2021-25250 : What You Need to Know

This article discusses the improper access control vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25250 in Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, and OfficeScan XG SP1. It examines the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2021-25250

CVE-2021-25250 is an improper access control vulnerability found in Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, and OfficeScan XG SP1. This vulnerability could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-25250?

CVE-2021-25250 is an access control vulnerability that, when exploited, enables a local attacker to elevate their privileges on the compromised system. The attacker must first execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this security flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25250

The impact of CVE-2021-25250 is significant as it allows attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected systems. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and the ability to carry out malicious actions within the compromised environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25250

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control mechanisms in Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, and OfficeScan XG SP1. It manifests in a sensitive file, providing an avenue for privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The products affected by this vulnerability include Trend Micro Apex One (2019, SaaS) and Trend Micro OfficeScan (XG SP1). Users of these versions are potentially at risk of privilege escalation attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-25250, an attacker must first execute low-privileged code on the target system. Subsequently, they can leverage the improper access control to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-25250.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-25250, users are advised to apply relevant patches provided by Trend Micro promptly. Additionally, limiting access to vulnerable systems and monitoring for suspicious activities are crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing least privilege access, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about security updates and patches are essential long-term security practices to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, and OfficeScan XG SP1 to the latest versions is critical to ensure that known vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2021-25250, are addressed.