CVE-2020-8599
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitTrend Micro Apex One (2019) and OfficeScan XG server contain a vulnerable EXE file that could allow a remote attacker to write arbitrary data to an arbitrary path on affected installations and bypass ROOT login.
Published Mar 17, 2020 · Updated Oct 31, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-8599 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Apex One (Trendmicro), Officescan (Trendmicro), Trend Micro OfficeScan, Trend Micro Apex One.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 12% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
12%
Higher than 96.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Trend Micro Apex One (2019) and OfficeScan XG server contain a vulnerable EXE file that could allow a remote attacker to write arbitrary data to an arbitrary path on affected installations and bypass ROOT login. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apex OneTrendmicro | 2019 | n/a |
| OfficescanTrendmicro | xg, xg-sp1 | n/a |
| Trend Micro OfficeScan, Trend Micro Apex One | >= OfficeScan XG (12.0), Apex One 2019 (14.0) | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Mar 17, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Oct 31, 2025
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
Trend Micro Apex One (2019) and OfficeScan XG server contain a vulnerable EXE file that could allow a remote attacker to write arbitrary data to an arbitrary path on affected installations and bypass ROOT login.
Affected: Apex One (Trendmicro) versions 2019; Officescan (Trendmicro) versions xg, xg-sp1; Trend Micro OfficeScan, Trend Micro Apex One versions >= OfficeScan XG (12.0), Apex One 2019 (14.0). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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