CVE-2011-5001 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the CGenericScheduler::AddTask function in cmdHandlerRedAlertController.dll in CmdProcessor.exe in Trend Micro Control Manager 5.5 before Build 1613 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted IPC packet to TCP port 20101.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5001 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Trend Micro Control Manager 5.5 software ecosystem, specifically affecting the cmdHandlerRedAlertController.dll module. This flaw exists within the CGenericScheduler::AddTask function and manifests in the CmdProcessor.exe process that handles incoming network communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through the Inter-Process Communication (IPC) mechanism on TCP port 20101, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access or authentication. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes malformed IPC packets, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw operates through the typical attack pattern where an attacker sends a specially crafted packet containing more data than the receiving buffer can accommodate, causing the excess data to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it resides in a network-facing service that handles remote communications, making it exploitable from any location on the network. The specific function CGenericScheduler::AddTask appears to lack proper input validation or bounds checking when processing incoming IPC messages, allowing attackers to manipulate the program flow through stack corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise systems running vulnerable versions of Trend Micro Control Manager. Remote code execution enables attackers to install malware, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or perform lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's accessibility through TCP port 20101 means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. Organizations using Trend Micro Control Manager 5.5 before Build 1613 face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent threats that may remain undetected for extended periods. The impact is amplified by the fact that Control Manager typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and network-level controls to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations must upgrade to Trend Micro Control Manager Build 1613 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TCP port 20101, limiting exposure to only trusted networks and systems. Additionally, monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on port 20101 can help detect exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands and potentially escalate privileges. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the Trend Micro suite or related systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of the patched environment to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the security posture against this specific buffer overflow threat.