Full Report
Trend Micro has released security updates to address multiple security vulnerabilities impacting on-premise versions of Apex Central for Windows, including a critical bug that could result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-69258, carries a CVSS score of 9.8 out of a maximum of 10.0. The vulnerability has been described as a case of remote code execution
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Critical Remote Code Execution in Trend Micro Apex Central
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-69258
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- CWE: Not explicitly mentioned in detail, but related to improper handling of executable loading (LoadLibraryEX vulnerability).
## Affected Systems
- Products: Trend Micro Apex Central (On-Premise versions)
- Versions: Versions below Build 7190.
- Configurations: Windows installations of Apex Central.
## Vulnerability Description
CVE-2025-69258 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability stemming from a `LoadLibraryEX` flaw within Trend Micro Apex Central. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a specific message ("0x0a8d" or `SC_INSTALL_HANDLER_REQUEST`) to the `MsgReceiver.exe` component. This allows the attacker to force the loading of an attacker-controlled DLL into a key executable, leading to the execution of arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges on the affected installation.
## Exploitation
- Status: PoC described/Exploitable based on vendor details (requires message sending).
- Complexity: Low (An attacker can send a specific message to trigger the RCE).
- Attack Vector: Network (Requires access to potentially the default TCP port 20001 where `MsgReceiver.exe` listens).
## Impact
- Confidentiality: High (Code execution under SYSTEM context implies full system access).
- Integrity: High (Full control over system operations).
- Availability: High (Potential for system disruption or complete compromise).
## Remediation
### Patches
- **Action Required:** Upgrade Trend Micro Apex Central to **Build 7190 or later**. (Specific patch versions are not detailed, but upgrading past the implicated versions is the solution).
### Workarounds
- Review and restrict remote access to critical systems.
- Ensure perimeter security policies are up-to-date (as exploitation hinges on an attacker having prior physical or remote access capability to send the message).
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Look for unusual activity related to the `MsgReceiver.exe` process, specifically unexpected network connections or command execution following message traffic matching known exploit criteria (`0x0a8d`).
- **Detection Methods and Tools:** Monitor network traffic directed at the service listening on TCP port 20001 for specially crafted messages. Review system logs for unauthorized process creation under the SYSTEM context originating from Apex Central components.
## References
- Trend Micro Advisory: hxxps://success.trendmicro.com/en-US/solution/KA-0022071
- Tenable Research: hxxps://www.tenable.com/security/research/tra-2026-01