#VU59108 Link following in Apex One - CVE-2021-45231

Vulnerability identifier: #VU59108

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-45231

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Apex One
Client/Desktop applications / Antivirus software/Personal firewalls

Vendor: Trend Micro

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to insecure link following. A local user can create a specially crafted symbolic link and overwrite arbitrary files with arbitrary content. Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Apex One: CP B2049 - 2019

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External links
https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/000289996
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-013/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.