CVE-2017-11384 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection in Trend Micro Control Manager 6.0 causes Remote Code Execution when executing opcode 0x3b21 due to lack of proper user input validation in mdHandlerLicenseManager.dll. Fomerly ZDI-CAN-4561.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11384 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Trend Micro Control Manager version 6.0 that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes opcode 0x3b21 within the mdHandlerLicenseManager.dll component, making it particularly dangerous as it targets the license management functionality of the security solution. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which classifies it as a direct consequence of insufficient input validation and sanitization. When the system receives crafted input through the vulnerable opcode handler, the malformed data bypasses all security controls and gets directly embedded into SQL commands executed against the underlying database. This allows attackers to manipulate the database query structure and potentially execute arbitrary SQL statements that can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway follows the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS where attackers can leverage the SQL injection to establish persistent access and escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it enables complete remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the Control Manager system, potentially accessing sensitive license information, modifying database contents, or executing malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account. The severity is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects a core component of Trend Micro's security infrastructure, potentially allowing adversaries to undermine the very security controls that organizations rely upon for protection. Organizations using this version of Control Manager face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential system takeover, particularly in environments where the affected system is exposed to untrusted networks or user inputs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11384 should prioritize immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and updates released to address the SQL injection vulnerability in mdHandlerLicenseManager.dll. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the Control Manager system and deploy additional input validation controls at network boundaries to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of the affected software and comprehensive monitoring of database activities for signs of unauthorized access or manipulation. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for the database components and regular security assessments will help reduce the attack surface and improve overall defensive posture against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the security infrastructure.