CVE-2025-49211 is a high-severity SQL injection vulnerability identified in Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption Policy Server version 6.0. This vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input in SQL queries, classified under CWE-89. Exploitation of this flaw allows an attacker to manipulate backend database queries, potentially escalating privileges within the affected system. However, exploitation requires the attacker to have already gained the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system, which means initial access or foothold is a prerequisite. Once exploited, the attacker can alter database commands to elevate their privileges, compromising the integrity and availability of the encryption policy server. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7, reflecting a high severity with a complex attack vector (local access with high attack complexity), requiring low privileges but no user interaction. The scope is changed, indicating that the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component, affecting confidentiality (low impact), integrity (high impact), and availability (high impact). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been released yet. The Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption Policy Server is a critical component used to manage encryption policies across enterprise endpoints, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on this product for data protection and compliance.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, especially for those in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and government. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to modify encryption policies or disable encryption enforcement, thereby exposing sensitive data to further compromise. This undermines the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted data and could result in regulatory non-compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws. Additionally, disruption or manipulation of encryption policy servers could cause operational downtime, affecting business continuity. Given the local access requirement, the threat is more pronounced in environments where endpoint security is weak or where attackers can gain initial access through phishing, malware, or insider threats. The potential for lateral movement within networks increases the risk of widespread impact across European enterprises using this product.

1. Implement strict network segmentation and access controls to limit access to the Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption Policy Server, reducing the risk of attackers gaining initial low-privileged code execution. 2. Employ robust endpoint protection and monitoring to detect and prevent initial foothold attempts such as malware infections or unauthorized code execution. 3. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on privilege escalation vectors within the environment. 4. Apply principle of least privilege to all user and service accounts interacting with the Policy Server to minimize potential damage from compromised accounts. 5. Monitor logs and database query patterns for anomalies indicative of SQL injection attempts or unusual privilege escalations. 6. Engage with Trend Micro support to obtain timely patches or workarounds once available; in the interim, consider temporary mitigations such as disabling unnecessary features or restricting administrative interfaces. 7. Educate IT and security teams about this specific vulnerability to enhance detection and response capabilities. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups of configuration and policy data to enable recovery in case of compromise.