CVE-2018-10350 in Smart Protection Server
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL injection remote code execution vulnerability in Trend Micro Smart Protection Server (Standalone) 3.x could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations due to a flaw within the handling of parameters provided to wcs_bwlists_handler.php. Authentication is required in order to exploit this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10350 represents a critical security flaw in Trend Micro Smart Protection Server version 3.x that enables remote code execution through SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability specifically targets the wcs_bwlists_handler.php component within the standalone server implementation, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on this security infrastructure. The flaw demonstrates the classic characteristics of a SQL injection vulnerability where untrusted input parameters are improperly handled, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. The requirement for authentication to exploit this vulnerability indicates that it operates within a privilege escalation model rather than a fully open attack vector, though this does not diminish its severity given that legitimate users with appropriate credentials could be compromised.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation and sanitization within the web application layer of the Trend Micro Smart Protection Server. When the wcs_bwlists_handler.php script processes user-provided parameters, it fails to properly escape or validate input data before incorporating it into SQL queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. This design flaw falls under the common CWE-89 category of SQL injection vulnerabilities, where insufficient input validation creates pathways for attackers to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an authenticated session, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to the system before attempting to leverage the SQL injection flaw, though this requirement does not prevent the severity of the potential impact.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The Trend Micro Smart Protection Server serves as a critical security component that filters and protects against malicious network traffic, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to bypass security controls and gain unrestricted access to protected network segments. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through potential data access, integrity through possible data manipulation, and availability through potential system disruption or compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies focusing on both network-level protections and application-level hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released to address this specific flaw in the Trend Micro Smart Protection Server software. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual database query patterns or authentication anomalies can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol traffic shaping, as the exploitation involves manipulating web application interfaces to achieve unauthorized system access, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures.