CVE-2016-6268 in Smart Protection Server
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro Smart Protection Server 2.5 before build 2200, 2.6 before build 2106, and 3.0 before build 1330 allows local webserv users to execute arbitrary code with root privileges via a Trojan horse .war file in the Solr webapps directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-6268 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Trend Micro Smart Protection Server versions prior to specific build numbers. This issue affects versions 2.5 before build 2200, 2.6 before build 2106, and 3.0 before build 1330, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this security solution. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that allow local web server users to place malicious files within the Solr web applications directory, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution with root privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a Trojan horse .war file that exploits the web server's deployment process within the Solr webapps directory. When the web server processes this malicious file, it executes the embedded code with elevated privileges, bypassing normal access controls and user permissions. This represents a classic privilege escalation attack vector where a local user with web server access can escalate their privileges to root level, gaining complete system control. The vulnerability falls under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically targeting improper privilege management within web application deployments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once an attacker successfully places the malicious .war file, they can establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The fact that this requires only local web server user access makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have web server privileges or where web server accounts have elevated system access. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of Trend Micro Smart Protection Server, implementing strict file access controls within the Solr webapps directory, and conducting comprehensive security audits of web server configurations. Additional protective measures should include monitoring for unauthorized file deployments, restricting web server user privileges, and implementing proper file integrity checking mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure deployment practices and proper privilege management in web application environments, particularly when dealing with security solutions that require elevated system access to function properly.