CVE-2006-5157 in OfficeScan
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the ActiveX control (ATXCONSOLE.OCX) in TrendMicro OfficeScan Corporate Edition (OSCE) before 7.3 Patch 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string identifiers in the "Management Console's Remote Client Install name search".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5157 represents a critical format string flaw within the TrendMicro OfficeScan Corporate Edition ActiveX control ATXCONSOLE.OCX that affects versions prior to 7.3 Patch 1. This vulnerability exists within the management console's remote client installation functionality where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in format string operations. The flaw specifically manifests when processing the "Management Console s Remote Client Install name search" parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject format specifiers that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which defines format string vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when a program uses user-supplied data as the format string argument to functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation. In this case, the ActiveX control processes user input directly through format string functions without sanitization, creating a path for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the ActiveX control handles remote installation requests, making it particularly dangerous in corporate environments where such controls are frequently deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise within the targeted environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable OfficeScan versions, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks against enterprise networks. Organizations using TrendMicro OfficeScan in their security infrastructure face significant risk as this vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5157 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and operational security improvements. The most effective solution involves applying TrendMicro's official patch 1 for OfficeScan Corporate Edition 7.3, which addresses the format string vulnerability in ATXCONSOLE.OCX. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running vulnerable ActiveX controls, disable unnecessary ActiveX controls in browser environments, and establish monitoring for unusual network activity related to remote client installations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as attackers would likely use the executed code to establish persistence and escalate privileges. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and using modern programming practices that avoid direct format string usage with user data can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles.