CVE-2020-3153

Name: CVE-2020-3153
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-02-19T20:15:15.113+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 28.31%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-3153 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.5/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the installer component of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated local attacker to copy user-supplied files to system level directories with system level privileges. The vulnerability is due to the incorrect handling of directory paths. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 28.31% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the installer component of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated local attacker to copy user-supplied files to system level directories with system level privileges. The vulnerability is due to the incorrect handling of directory paths. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious file and copying the file to a system directory. An exploit could allow the attacker to copy malicious files to arbitrary locations with system level privileges. This could include DLL pre-loading, DLL hijacking, and other related attacks. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs valid credentials on the Windows system.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability

28.31%

97.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Nov 14, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cisco	Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client	< 4.8.02042

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157340/Cisco-AnyConnect-Secure-Mobility-Client-4.8.01090-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158219/Cisco-AnyConnect-Path-Traversal-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159420/Cisco-AnyConnect-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Apr/43Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-win-path-traverse-qO4HWBsjVendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157340/Cisco-AnyConnect-Secure-Mobility-Client-4.8.01090-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158219/Cisco-AnyConnect-Path-Traversal-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159420/Cisco-AnyConnect-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Apr/43Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-win-path-traverse-qO4HWBsjVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-3153US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Feb 19, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-3153?

How severe is CVE-2020-3153?

CVE-2020-3153 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 28.31% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-3153?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-3153?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST