CVE-2018-3607 in Control Manager
Summary
by MITRE
XXXTreeNode method SQL injection remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3607 represents a critical security flaw in Trend Micro Control Manager version 6.0 that exposes organizations to remote code execution risks through SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the XXXTreeNode method within the application's database interaction layer, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The flaw allows unauthorized users to manipulate database queries through crafted inputs, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the XXXTreeNode method, which processes user-supplied data without proper security controls. This weakness creates an environment where attacker-controlled SQL commands can be injected into the database layer, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user inputs before incorporating them into SQL query structures, allowing malicious payloads to execute within the database context. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security consequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3607 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain administrative privileges, execute arbitrary code, and establish persistent access to affected systems. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to leverage the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web interfaces or management consoles. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of organizational systems, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Organizations affected by CVE-2018-3607 should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and monitoring for suspicious database activity. The recommended approach involves deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify additional attack vectors, and implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions to detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular security updates, and maintaining current threat intelligence feeds to stay ahead of evolving attack patterns targeting similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should perform regular security awareness training for personnel who interact with the affected systems to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.