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CVE-2023-20178

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 5.53%

Last modified

CVE-2023-20178 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A vulnerability in the client update process of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows could allow a low-privileged, authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to those of SYSTEM. The client update process is executed after a successful VPN connection is established. This vulnerability exists because improper permissions are assigned to a temporary directory that is created during the update process. EPSS estimates a 5.53% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the client update process of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows could allow a low-privileged, authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to those of SYSTEM. The client update process is executed after a successful VPN connection is established. This vulnerability exists because improper permissions are assigned to a temporary directory that is created during the update process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by abusing a specific function of the Windows installer process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1
7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability
5.53%

91.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

VendorProductVersions
CiscoAnyconnect Secure Mobility Client< 4.10.07061
CiscoSecure Client< 5.0.02075

References

Timeline

Published
Last Modified
Status
Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-20178?
A vulnerability in the client update process of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows could allow a low-privileged, authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges to those of SYSTEM. The client update process is executed after a successful VPN connection is established. This vulnerability exists because improper permissions are assigned to a temporary directory that is created during the update process. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by abusing a specific function of the Windows installer process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges.
How severe is CVE-2023-20178?
CVE-2023-20178 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 5.53% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20178?
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-2023-20178?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST