CVE-2022-28394 in Password Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 05/27/2022
EOL Product CVE - Installer of Trend Micro Password Manager (Consumer) versions 3.7.0.1223 and below provided by Trend Micro Incorporated contains an issue with the DLL search path, which may lead to insecurely loading Dynamic Link Libraries (CWE-427). Please note that this was reported on an EOL version of the product, and users are advised to upgrade to the latest supported version (5.x).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28394 affects Trend Micro Password Manager Consumer version 3.7.0.1223 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that stems from improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms within the software installer. This issue manifests as a weakness in the DLL search order mechanism, specifically classified under CWE-427 which describes insecure library loading practices where applications fail to properly specify the location of required dynamic link libraries. The vulnerability exists within the installer component of the password management solution, making it particularly concerning as it occurs during the software deployment phase when system privileges are typically elevated.
The technical flaw exploits the Windows DLL search path behavior where the operating system attempts to locate required dynamic link libraries in a specific order including the current working directory, system directories, and paths listed in the PATH environment variable. When the installer fails to properly specify library locations, malicious actors can potentially place malicious DLL files in the current working directory or other locations in the search path, causing the installer to load these unauthorized components instead of legitimate system libraries. This creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks and arbitrary code execution within the context of the installer process. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1574.002 for hijacking execution flow through dynamic link library loading.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it affects the security posture of systems during software installation phases when users may be performing administrative tasks. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially execute malicious code with elevated privileges during the installation process, compromising the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the installer itself rather than the running application, meaning that any system with the vulnerable version installed represents a potential attack vector. Additionally, since this vulnerability exists in an end-of-life product, users are not receiving security updates or patches, leaving systems permanently exposed to exploitation. Organizations relying on legacy password management solutions face heightened risk of supply chain attacks or targeted exploitation attempts, especially in environments where security controls are already compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to Trend Micro Password Manager version 5.x or later, as recommended by the vendor. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and implement mandatory upgrade policies. Network segmentation and application whitelisting controls can provide additional protection layers by preventing execution of unauthorized DLL files in critical directories. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual DLL loading patterns and unauthorized file placement in system directories during installation processes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust software lifecycle management practices to avoid exposure to known vulnerabilities in legacy products. Organizations should consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block suspicious DLL loading activities, particularly during system installation and update processes.