CVE-2019-20358 in Anti-Threat Toolkit
Summary
by MITRE
Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit (ATTK) versions 1.62.0.1218 and below have a vulnerability that may allow an attacker to place malicious files in the same directory, potentially leading to arbitrary remote code execution (RCE) when executed. Another attack vector similar to CVE-2019-9491 was idenitfied and resolved in version 1.62.0.1228 of the tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20358 affects Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit version 1.62.0.1218 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the security tool itself. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of file operations within the application's directory structure, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the environment in which the toolkit operates. The issue manifests when the toolkit processes files in a manner that does not adequately validate or sanitize the locations where malicious payloads can be deposited, effectively allowing adversaries to exploit this weakness for unauthorized code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to place malicious files in directories that the toolkit subsequently processes, creating a scenario where legitimate security operations become vectors for malicious activity. This particular weakness operates through a combination of insufficient input validation and inadequate access controls that permit unauthorized file placement in critical directories. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such tools are frequently deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the trust model that security tools are designed to maintain. When an attacker successfully places malicious files in the toolkit's processing directories, they can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the toolkit, which often includes administrative rights in security contexts. This creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for privilege escalation, lateral movement, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2019-9491 demonstrates a pattern of insecure file handling practices within the Trend Micro product line, suggesting that multiple tools within the suite may be susceptible to similar attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20358 should focus on immediate version updates to 1.62.0.1228 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the file placement vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional controls such as restricting write permissions to the toolkit's installation directories, monitoring for unauthorized file modifications, and conducting regular security assessments of the toolkit's operational environment. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while security monitoring should specifically track file creation and modification patterns in directories where the toolkit operates. The ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Command Prompt" should be considered in defensive strategies, as attackers may leverage these methods to execute malicious payloads placed through this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and regular vulnerability scanning can provide defense-in-depth measures that complement the official patch updates.