A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-69258) has been disclosed in Trend Micro Apex Central for Windows, exposing on-premise deployments to remote code execution with SYSTEM privileges.
This is not theoretical-this impacts the core security infrastructure of organisations.
The Issue
- Tracked as CVE-2025-69258, CVSS 9.8
- Root cause: unsafe DLL loading (LoadLibraryEX)
- Vulnerable process: MsgReceiver.exe
- Attack vector: crafted message (SC_INSTALL_HANDLER_REQUEST, ID 0x0a8d)
- No authentication needed, execution occurs under SYSTEM context
- Exploitation = attacker owns the host
Additional patched flaws:
- CVE-2025-69259 (CVSS 7.5) – unchecked NULL return → potential DoS
- CVE-2025-69260 (CVSS 7.5) – out-of-bounds read → potential DoS
- Target process: MsgReceiver.exe
- Message type: SC_CMD_CGI_LOG_REQUEST
Discovered and responsibly disclosed by Tenable (August 2025).
Real-World Risk
- MsgReceiver.exe listens on TCP port 20001 by default
- Exposure increases in flat or poorly segmented networks
- Exploitation requires remote or physical access, but severity remains high
- This vulnerability is post-compromise escalation gold for attackers
Potential Impact
Compromised Apex Central leads to:
- Full SYSTEM-level execution
- Manipulation of security policies
- Loss of endpoint visibility
- Lateral movement across networks
- Compliance and audit violations
High-value target: attackers know this and will exploit any foothold.
Immediate Actions for Security Teams
- Patch immediately – Systems below Build 7190 are vulnerable
- Audit TCP port 20001 access – Restrict aggressively
- Review remote access policies – Limit exposure of management servers
- Segment security infrastructure – Isolate from user networks
- Reinforce defense in depth – Security tooling = Tier 0 assets
Delays increase blast radius. Treat your security platforms as critical assets.
Key Takeaway
A 9.8 CVSS remote code execution in endpoint management software is worst-case scenario. One foothold is enough for attackers to gain control.
Patching discipline and network isolation are no longer optional. Act now.
About COE Security
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