Trend Micro Maximum Security Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Trend Micro Maximum Security. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Regain Disk Space functionality. By creating a junction, an attacker can abuse the Platinum Host Service to delete arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.
Additional Details
Trend Micro has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://helpcenter.trendmicro.com/en-us/article/tmka-18876
Disclosure Timeline
- 2025-04-04 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2025-07-08 - Coordinated public release of advisory
- 2025-07-08 - Advisory Updated
Credit
Simon Zuckerbraun of Trend Zero Day Initiative
