CVE-2024-39753: Trend Micro Apex One RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-39753 Overview

CVE-2024-39753 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the modOSCE component of Trend Micro Apex One. The flaw allows an authenticated, low-privileged attacker to inject SQL statements and execute arbitrary code on affected installations. The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.

Exploitation requires the attacker to first execute low-privileged code on the target host. Once that foothold is established, the injection primitive can be used to compromise the underlying database and application context.

Critical Impact
A successful attacker can execute arbitrary code on the Apex One server, leading to full compromise of an enterprise endpoint management platform.

Affected Products

Trend Micro Apex One 2019 (on-premises, Windows)
Trend Micro Apex One as a Service (SaaS, Windows)
Deployments running the vulnerable modOSCE component

Discovery Timeline

2024-10-22 - CVE-2024-39753 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-39753

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the modOSCE module of Trend Micro Apex One. The module accepts input that is concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can craft input that alters query structure and executes attacker-controlled SQL statements against the backing database.

Because Apex One manages endpoint protection across an enterprise, code execution on the management server provides a high-value pivot point. The attacker can tamper with policy, extract stored data, or leverage the database context to run operating system commands.

The CVSS vector indicates the flaw is reachable over the network but requires low privileges and high attack complexity. Exploitation is constrained by the need for a pre-existing authenticated foothold on the target system.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special SQL characters in inputs handled by modOSCE. Application code constructs queries dynamically, allowing injected clauses to change the intent of the original statement. Parameterized queries or strict input validation would have prevented the condition.

Attack Vector

An attacker with the ability to run low-privileged code on the target sends crafted requests to the vulnerable Apex One endpoint. The malicious payload is embedded in a parameter processed by modOSCE, where it is concatenated into a SQL query. Successful injection leads to arbitrary code execution in the application context.

The vulnerability mechanism is documented in the Zero-Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-897. No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of writing.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39753

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected SQL syntax, quote characters, or comment sequences in HTTP parameters sent to Apex One management endpoints
Anomalous child processes spawned by the Apex One service account, particularly cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or database utility processes
Unusual outbound connections from the Apex One server following authenticated low-privileged sessions
Modifications to Apex One database tables outside of routine administrative activity

Detection Strategies

Inspect web and application logs on Apex One servers for parameters containing SQL metacharacters, UNION SELECT, or stacked query patterns
Correlate low-privileged user authentication events with subsequent requests to modOSCE endpoints
Monitor process lineage on the Apex One host to detect execution originating from the web or database service accounts

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose logging on the Apex One management console and forward logs to a central SIEM for retention and correlation
Alert on any process execution or file write activity by the Apex One service account outside of documented software update workflows
Baseline normal SQL query patterns against the Apex One database and alert on statistical outliers

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39753

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the vendor patch documented in the Trend Micro Solution KA-0016669 advisory
Restrict network access to the Apex One management console to trusted administrative networks only
Rotate credentials for any low-privileged accounts that could be leveraged to reach the vulnerable endpoint
Review authentication logs for suspicious low-privileged access preceding the patch date

Patch Information

Trend Micro has released fixes for affected Apex One on-premises and Apex One as a Service deployments. Consult the Trend Micro Solution KA-0016669 advisory for exact build numbers and update procedures. SaaS tenants receive fixes automatically through the Trend Micro service.

Workarounds

Limit console access via firewall rules and IP allowlisting until patching is complete
Enforce strict access control policies to prevent unauthorized low-privileged account creation
Audit and remove unused local and domain accounts that could be used as an initial foothold

bash

# Example firewall rule to restrict Apex One console access to a management subnet
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="ApexOne-Console-Restrict" \
  dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=4343 \
  remoteip=10.10.20.0/24
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="ApexOne-Console-Deny" \
  dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=4343