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  3. CVE-2020-8599
Exploited in the wildComputers & everyday appsCould reach you

CVE-2020-8599 Trend Micro Apex One and OfficeScan: login or permission bypass

In plain words: A door that should be locked is not: part of the system can be reached without a valid login or permission. The attacker gets in as a user or administrator without knowing a password.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 3, 2022

What to do

  1. Install Trend Micro's security update for Apex One and OfficeScan. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
  2. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
  3. Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
  4. Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.

Who is affected

Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.

The details

Official name
Trend Micro Apex One and OfficeScan Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Product
Trend Micro Apex One and OfficeScan
CISA description
Trend Micro Apex One and OfficeScan server contain a vulnerable EXE file that could allow a remote attacker to write data to a path on affected installations and bypass root login.
Type of flaw
Login or permission bypass
Confirmed exploited
Nov 3, 2021
US federal patch deadline
May 3, 2022

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Answering about CVE-2020-8599 ·

Questions about CVE-2020-8599

Is CVE-2020-8599 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-8599 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8599?

Install Trend Micro's security update for Apex One and OfficeScan. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.

Am I affected by CVE-2020-8599?

Only if you use Trend Micro Apex One and OfficeScan. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

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