CVE-2018-3603 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A CGGIServlet 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-2018-3603 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 CGGIServlet component within the control manager's web application interface, creating an attack vector that allows remote adversaries to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the system's database layer. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the servlet's handling of user-supplied parameters, particularly those related to configuration and management functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of HTTP request parameters that are passed to the database query execution layer. When legitimate administrative users interact with the web interface to perform configuration tasks, the system fails to properly escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as SQL syntax by the underlying database engine. This creates a classic SQL injection scenario where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the intended database query structure, potentially allowing full database access and command execution privileges. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through specially crafted HTTP requests that target the CGGIServlet endpoint.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, potentially escalating privileges to system administrator levels. This capability enables threat actors to install malware, modify system configurations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. Organizations using Trend Micro Control Manager 6.0 may face severe consequences including regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-3603. The primary mitigation strategy involves applying the official security patches released by Trend Micro to address the specific SQL injection flaws in the CGGIServlet component. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web interface to only authorized administrative users and systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Security monitoring should include comprehensive logging of all administrative activities and database query patterns to identify anomalous behavior. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique commonly mapped to ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (Execution) and technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) in adversarial frameworks, demonstrating how initial compromise can quickly escalate to full system control through proper exploitation of the underlying database access mechanisms.