CVE-2023-41179
HighExploitedPublic exploitA vulnerability in the 3rd party AV uninstaller module contained in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS), Worry-Free Business Security and Worry-Free Business Security Services could allow an attacker to manipulate the module to execute arbitrary commands on an affected…
Published Sep 19, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025 · Also known as TR-23-0540
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-41179 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Apex One (Trendmicro), Worry-Free Business Security (Trendmicro), Worry-Free Business Security Services (Trendmicro) and 3 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 19, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 4.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Trend Micro Apex One 14.0.0.12380, Trend Micro Apex One 14.0.12637, Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1 Build 2495.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
4.3%
Higher than 90.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-41179 brief as a PDF
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Description
A vulnerability in the 3rd party AV uninstaller module contained in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS), Worry-Free Business Security and Worry-Free Business Security Services could allow an attacker to manipulate the module to execute arbitrary commands on an affected installation.
Note that an attacker must first obtain administrative console access on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 21, 2023 | Oct 12, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 19, 2023 | Oct 12, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 21, 2023 | Oct 12, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 21, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Apex OneTrendmicro | 2019 | n/a |
| Worry-Free Business SecurityTrendmicro | 10.0-sp1 | n/a |
| Worry-Free Business Security ServicesTrendmicro | See advisory | n/a |
| Trend Micro Apex One | >= 2019 (14.0) | 14.0.0.12380 |
| Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security | >= 10.0 SP1 | 10.0 SP1 Build 2495 |
Patched Releases
Trend Micro Apex One
14.0.0.12380, 14.0.12637
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
10.0 SP1 Build 2495
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services
6.7.3578 / 14.3.1105
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 19, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 19, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 21, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 21, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 21, 2023
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU90967486/
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A vulnerability in the 3rd party AV uninstaller module contained in Trend Micro Apex One (on-prem and SaaS), Worry-Free Business Security and Worry-Free Business Security Services could allow an attacker to manipulate the module to execute arbitrary commands on an affected installation.
Affected: Apex One (Trendmicro) versions 2019; Worry-Free Business Security (Trendmicro) versions 10.0-sp1; Worry-Free Business Security Services (Trendmicro), among others. 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 Sep 19, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Sep 21, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Oct 12, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Trend Micro Apex One 14.0.0.12380, Trend Micro Apex One 14.0.12637, Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1 Build 2495.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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