CVE-2016-1225 in Internet Security
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro Internet Security 8 and 10 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1225 affects Trend Micro Internet Security versions 8 and 10, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's file access controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized data retrieval across network boundaries. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the security software's architecture could be exploited, potentially encompassing web interfaces, API endpoints, or network services that handle file operations. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on Trend Micro Internet Security, as it allows adversaries to bypass intended access controls and obtain sensitive information without proper authentication.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The technical implementation likely involves insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in file system operations. Attackers can manipulate input parameters to navigate through directory structures beyond the intended scope, accessing files that should remain protected within the application's restricted environment. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to systems or local network presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where security software typically operates with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1225 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information, configuration files, user data, or even credentials stored within the affected security software. In enterprise contexts, this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise when attackers leverage the ability to read system files, potentially obtaining information about network topology, user accounts, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation could also facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with information needed to plan more sophisticated intrusion attempts, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Trend Micro Internet Security for their cybersecurity infrastructure. Organizations may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1225 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Trend Micro Internet Security versions 8 and 10, as provided by the vendor through official security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to security software components and enforce strict access controls for system administrators. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious file access patterns, implementing application whitelisting to restrict unauthorized file operations, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities within other security software components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures to detect and respond to exploitation attempts effectively.