CVE-2022-25329 in ServerProtect
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
Trend Micro ServerProtect 6.0/5.8 Information Server uses a static credential to perform authentication when a specific command is typed in the console. An unauthenticated remote attacker with access to the Information Server could exploit this to register to the server and perform authenticated actions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25329 affects Trend Micro ServerProtect 6.0 and 5.8 Information Server components, representing a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise endpoint protection systems. This vulnerability exists within the Information Server module which serves as a communication hub for managing and monitoring server protection services. The flaw manifests when specific commands are executed through the console interface, triggering the use of a hardcoded static credential for authentication purposes. This design decision creates a fundamental security weakness where the authentication mechanism relies on a predetermined, unchangeable password rather than dynamic authentication processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor credential management practices within the Information Server component. When an attacker gains remote access to the Information Server, they can exploit the hardcoded credential to register with the system and subsequently perform authenticated operations that should otherwise require proper authentication. This represents a classic case of weak authentication mechanisms where static credentials are embedded within the software rather than being dynamically generated or properly secured. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hard-coded credentials as a significant security weakness, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.1.001 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing through social engineering, as the static credential provides an easy path for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to perform authenticated actions within the ServerProtect environment. This means that an unauthenticated attacker could potentially execute commands, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data that would normally require legitimate authentication. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the protection services managed by ServerProtect, potentially allowing attackers to disable security features, modify protection policies, or gain persistence within the network. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where ServerProtect is deployed to protect critical infrastructure, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to undermine the very security controls that are meant to protect the organization.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate the Information Server components from untrusted networks, implementing strict firewall rules to restrict access to the Information Server ports, and monitoring for unauthorized registration attempts or unusual authenticated activities. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to patched versions of Trend Micro ServerProtect where the static credential has been replaced with a proper dynamic authentication mechanism. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all Trend Micro installations to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential issues within other components. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous authentication patterns or unauthorized registration attempts will provide early warning capabilities for potential exploitation of this vulnerability.