CVE-2018-3602 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
An AdHocQuery_Processor SQL injection remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in Trend Micro Control Manager 6.0 could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The CVE-2018-3602 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Trend Micro Control Manager version 6.0 that exposes organizations to significant remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the AdHocQuery_Processor component, which handles SQL query processing within the control manager's architecture. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that can bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can provide attackers with full administrative control over the targeted environment, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and broader network infiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SQL query processing pipeline. Attackers can craft malicious SQL injection payloads that exploit improper handling of user-supplied data in the AdHocQuery_Processor module. This weakness allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries and execute unauthorized commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes SQL queries without proper parameterization or input filtering, creating an attack surface where malicious SQL code can be interpreted and executed as legitimate database operations. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation and data handling practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3602 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access within affected networks. Organizations running vulnerable Trend Micro Control Manager installations face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats where attackers can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, and use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking low-effort, high-impact compromises. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 and T1059 categories, which cover legitimate credentials usage and command and scripting interpreter techniques respectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3602 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Trend Micro, as the vendor released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of critical systems, while establishing robust monitoring for unusual SQL query patterns and database access attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, with organizations needing to review and strengthen their application security practices across all database interactions. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the security infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving threat landscapes.