Privilege Escalation in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows
CVE-2023-20178

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor
Cisco
Status
Cisco Secure Client
Vendor
CVE Published:
28 June 2023

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC📰 News Worthy

Summary

A vulnerability exists in the client update process of the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows. This flaw arises from improper permissions assigned to a temporary directory created during the update process. As a result, a low-privileged, authenticated local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges to those of the SYSTEM user, thereby allowing for unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges after a successful VPN connection is established. This exploitation utilizes a specific function of the Windows installer process.

Affected Version(s)

Cisco Secure Client 4.9.00086

Cisco Secure Client 4.9.01095

Cisco Secure Client 4.9.02028

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2023-20178
Created by Wh04m1001

News Articles

favicon imageHelp Net Security

PoC exploit released for Cisco AnyConnect, Secure Client vulnerability (CVE-2023-20178) - Help Net Security

PoC exploit code for CVE-2023-20178 in the client update process of Cisco AnyConnect and Cisco Secure Client has been published.

2 years ago

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/C...

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • 📰

    First article discovered by Help Net Security

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.