CVE-2018-18331 in OfficeScan XG
Summary
by MITRE
A Trend Micro OfficeScan XG weak file permissions vulnerability on a particular folder for a particular group may allow an attacker to alter the files, which could lead to other exploits on vulnerable installations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18331 represents a critical access control weakness within Trend Micro OfficeScan XG software that stems from improper file permissions configuration. This issue specifically affects a designated folder within the OfficeScan XG installation where certain group permissions have been inadequately restricted, creating a pathway for unauthorized modifications to critical system files. The flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to manipulate sensitive components of the security solution, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire endpoint protection framework.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of weak discretionary access control mechanisms that govern file system permissions within the OfficeScan XG environment. The affected folder structure contains configuration files and executable components that should normally be protected from modification by unauthorized users or processes. However, due to misconfigured group permissions, malicious actors can gain write access to these critical resources, enabling them to modify the software's operational behavior and potentially introduce backdoors or other malicious components. This weakness directly maps to CWE-276, which categorizes improper file permissions as a fundamental access control flaw that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within vulnerable environments. When an attacker successfully exploits this weakness, they can alter the behavior of the OfficeScan XG solution itself, potentially disabling security features or redirecting threat detection mechanisms to ignore malicious activity. This creates a dangerous scenario where the very security tool designed to protect against threats becomes compromised, allowing attackers to maintain persistence and evade detection. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access for privilege escalation, and T1070, which covers the use of file and directory permissions modification for persistence and evasion.
Organizations running vulnerable versions of Trend Micro OfficeScan XG face significant risk exposure, as this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges to gain elevated access within their network environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning because OfficeScan XG is commonly deployed in enterprise settings where it serves as a critical endpoint protection mechanism, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core security infrastructure rather than just individual systems, potentially allowing attackers to undermine the security posture of entire organizations. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate permission remediation, including proper implementation of least privilege principles, regular security audits of file system permissions, and comprehensive monitoring of unauthorized file modifications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and behavioral monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing compromised security tooling.