CVE-2023-20178 (GCVE-0-2023-20178)
Vulnerability from cvelistv5 – Published: 2023-06-28 00:00 – Updated: 2024-08-02 09:05
VLAI
EPSS
VEX
Summary
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.
Severity
7.8 (High)
CWE
- CWE-276 - Incorrect Default Permissions
Assigner
References
1 reference
Impacted products
1 product
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Secure Client |
Affected:
4.9.00086
Affected: 4.9.01095 Affected: 4.9.02028 Affected: 4.9.03047 Affected: 4.9.03049 Affected: 4.9.04043 Affected: 4.9.04053 Affected: 4.9.05042 Affected: 4.9.06037 Affected: 4.10.00093 Affected: 4.10.01075 Affected: 4.10.02086 Affected: 4.10.03104 Affected: 4.10.04065 Affected: 4.10.04071 Affected: 4.10.05085 Affected: 4.10.05095 Affected: 4.10.05111 Affected: 4.10.06079 Affected: 4.10.06090 Affected: 5.0.00238 Affected: 5.0.00529 Affected: 5.0.00556 Affected: 5.0.01242 |
guessed |
{
"containers": {
"adp": [
{
"providerMetadata": {
"dateUpdated": "2024-08-02T09:05:34.960Z",
"orgId": "af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108",
"shortName": "CVE"
},
"references": [
{
"name": "cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw",
"tags": [
"x_transferred"
],
"url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw"
}
],
"title": "CVE Program Container"
}
],
"cna": {
"affected": [
{
"product": "Cisco Secure Client",
"vendor": "Cisco",
"versions": [
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.00086"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.01095"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.02028"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.03047"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.03049"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.04043"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.04053"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.05042"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.9.06037"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.00093"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.01075"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.02086"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.03104"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.04065"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.04071"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.05085"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.05095"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.05111"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.06079"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "4.10.06090"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "5.0.00238"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "5.0.00529"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "5.0.00556"
},
{
"status": "affected",
"version": "5.0.01242"
}
]
}
],
"descriptions": [
{
"lang": "en",
"value": "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.\r\n\r 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."
}
],
"exploits": [
{
"lang": "en",
"value": "The Cisco PSIRT is aware that proof-of-concept exploit code is available for the vulnerability that is described in this advisory."
}
],
"metrics": [
{
"cvssV3_1": {
"attackComplexity": "LOW",
"attackVector": "LOCAL",
"availabilityImpact": "HIGH",
"baseScore": 7.8,
"baseSeverity": "HIGH",
"confidentialityImpact": "HIGH",
"integrityImpact": "HIGH",
"privilegesRequired": "LOW",
"scope": "UNCHANGED",
"userInteraction": "NONE",
"vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"version": "3.1"
},
"format": "cvssV3_1"
}
],
"problemTypes": [
{
"descriptions": [
{
"cweId": "CWE-276",
"description": "Incorrect Default Permissions",
"lang": "en",
"type": "cwe"
}
]
}
],
"providerMetadata": {
"dateUpdated": "2024-01-25T16:57:50.608Z",
"orgId": "d1c1063e-7a18-46af-9102-31f8928bc633",
"shortName": "cisco"
},
"references": [
{
"name": "cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw",
"url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw"
}
],
"source": {
"advisory": "cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw",
"defects": [
"CSCwe00252"
],
"discovery": "EXTERNAL"
}
}
},
"cveMetadata": {
"assignerOrgId": "d1c1063e-7a18-46af-9102-31f8928bc633",
"assignerShortName": "cisco",
"cveId": "CVE-2023-20178",
"datePublished": "2023-06-28T00:00:00.000Z",
"dateReserved": "2022-10-27T00:00:00.000Z",
"dateUpdated": "2024-08-02T09:05:34.960Z",
"state": "PUBLISHED"
},
"dataType": "CVE_RECORD",
"dataVersion": "5.1",
"vulnerability-lookup:meta": {
"epss": {
"cve": "CVE-2023-20178",
"date": "2026-09-17",
"epss": "0.05374",
"percentile": "0.9226"
},
"fkie_nvd": {
"configurations": "[{\"nodes\": [{\"operator\": \"OR\", \"negate\": false, \"cpeMatch\": [{\"vulnerable\": true, \"criteria\": \"cpe:2.3:a:cisco:anyconnect_secure_mobility_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*\", \"versionEndExcluding\": \"4.10.07061\", \"matchCriteriaId\": \"9980A481-8A54-475A-B735-0C339FF30314\"}, {\"vulnerable\": true, \"criteria\": \"cpe:2.3:a:cisco:secure_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*\", \"versionEndExcluding\": \"5.0.02075\", \"matchCriteriaId\": \"7A856448-9BF4-4693-A1EA-3B6C06DB4259\"}]}]}]",
"descriptions": "[{\"lang\": \"en\", \"value\": \"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.\\r\\n\\r 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.\"}]",
"id": "CVE-2023-20178",
"lastModified": "2024-11-21T07:40:45.287",
"metrics": "{\"cvssMetricV31\": [{\"source\": \"ykramarz@cisco.com\", \"type\": \"Secondary\", \"cvssData\": {\"version\": \"3.1\", \"vectorString\": \"CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H\", \"baseScore\": 7.8, \"baseSeverity\": \"HIGH\", \"attackVector\": \"LOCAL\", \"attackComplexity\": \"LOW\", \"privilegesRequired\": \"LOW\", \"userInteraction\": \"NONE\", \"scope\": \"UNCHANGED\", \"confidentialityImpact\": \"HIGH\", \"integrityImpact\": \"HIGH\", \"availabilityImpact\": \"HIGH\"}, \"exploitabilityScore\": 1.8, \"impactScore\": 5.9}, {\"source\": \"nvd@nist.gov\", \"type\": \"Primary\", \"cvssData\": {\"version\": \"3.1\", \"vectorString\": \"CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H\", \"baseScore\": 7.8, \"baseSeverity\": \"HIGH\", \"attackVector\": \"LOCAL\", \"attackComplexity\": \"LOW\", \"privilegesRequired\": \"LOW\", \"userInteraction\": \"NONE\", \"scope\": \"UNCHANGED\", \"confidentialityImpact\": \"HIGH\", \"integrityImpact\": \"HIGH\", \"availabilityImpact\": \"HIGH\"}, \"exploitabilityScore\": 1.8, \"impactScore\": 5.9}]}",
"published": "2023-06-28T15:15:09.880",
"references": "[{\"url\": \"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw\", \"source\": \"ykramarz@cisco.com\", \"tags\": [\"Vendor Advisory\"]}, {\"url\": \"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw\", \"source\": \"af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108\", \"tags\": [\"Vendor Advisory\"]}]",
"sourceIdentifier": "ykramarz@cisco.com",
"vulnStatus": "Modified",
"weaknesses": "[{\"source\": \"ykramarz@cisco.com\", \"type\": \"Secondary\", \"description\": [{\"lang\": \"en\", \"value\": \"CWE-276\"}]}, {\"source\": \"nvd@nist.gov\", \"type\": \"Primary\", \"description\": [{\"lang\": \"en\", \"value\": \"CWE-276\"}]}]"
},
"nvd": "{\"cve\":{\"id\":\"CVE-2023-20178\",\"sourceIdentifier\":\"psirt@cisco.com\",\"published\":\"2023-06-28T15:15:09.880\",\"lastModified\":\"2026-06-17T05:29:43.550\",\"vulnStatus\":\"Modified\",\"cveTags\":[],\"descriptions\":[{\"lang\":\"en\",\"value\":\"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.\\r\\n\\r 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.\"}],\"affected\":[{\"source\":\"psirt@cisco.com\",\"affectedData\":[{\"vendor\":\"Cisco\",\"product\":\"Cisco Secure Client\",\"versions\":[{\"version\":\"4.9.00086\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.01095\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.02028\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.03047\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.03049\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.04043\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.04053\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.05042\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.9.06037\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.00093\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.01075\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.02086\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.03104\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.04065\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.04071\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.05085\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.05095\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.05111\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.06079\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"4.10.06090\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"5.0.00238\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"5.0.00529\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"5.0.00556\",\"status\":\"affected\"},{\"version\":\"5.0.01242\",\"status\":\"affected\"}]}]}],\"metrics\":{\"cvssMetricV31\":[{\"source\":\"psirt@cisco.com\",\"type\":\"Secondary\",\"cvssData\":{\"version\":\"3.1\",\"vectorString\":\"CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H\",\"baseScore\":7.8,\"baseSeverity\":\"HIGH\",\"attackVector\":\"LOCAL\",\"attackComplexity\":\"LOW\",\"privilegesRequired\":\"LOW\",\"userInteraction\":\"NONE\",\"scope\":\"UNCHANGED\",\"confidentialityImpact\":\"HIGH\",\"integrityImpact\":\"HIGH\",\"availabilityImpact\":\"HIGH\"},\"exploitabilityScore\":1.8,\"impactScore\":5.9},{\"source\":\"nvd@nist.gov\",\"type\":\"Primary\",\"cvssData\":{\"version\":\"3.1\",\"vectorString\":\"CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H\",\"baseScore\":7.8,\"baseSeverity\":\"HIGH\",\"attackVector\":\"LOCAL\",\"attackComplexity\":\"LOW\",\"privilegesRequired\":\"LOW\",\"userInteraction\":\"NONE\",\"scope\":\"UNCHANGED\",\"confidentialityImpact\":\"HIGH\",\"integrityImpact\":\"HIGH\",\"availabilityImpact\":\"HIGH\"},\"exploitabilityScore\":1.8,\"impactScore\":5.9}]},\"weaknesses\":[{\"source\":\"psirt@cisco.com\",\"type\":\"Secondary\",\"description\":[{\"lang\":\"en\",\"value\":\"CWE-276\"}]},{\"source\":\"nvd@nist.gov\",\"type\":\"Primary\",\"description\":[{\"lang\":\"en\",\"value\":\"CWE-276\"}]}],\"configurations\":[{\"nodes\":[{\"operator\":\"OR\",\"negate\":false,\"cpeMatch\":[{\"vulnerable\":true,\"criteria\":\"cpe:2.3:a:cisco:anyconnect_secure_mobility_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*\",\"versionEndExcluding\":\"4.10.07061\",\"matchCriteriaId\":\"9980A481-8A54-475A-B735-0C339FF30314\"},{\"vulnerable\":true,\"criteria\":\"cpe:2.3:a:cisco:secure_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*\",\"versionEndExcluding\":\"5.0.02075\",\"matchCriteriaId\":\"7A856448-9BF4-4693-A1EA-3B6C06DB4259\"}]}]}],\"references\":[{\"url\":\"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw\",\"source\":\"psirt@cisco.com\",\"tags\":[\"Vendor Advisory\"]},{\"url\":\"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw\",\"source\":\"af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108\",\"tags\":[\"Vendor Advisory\"]}]}}",
"redhat_vex": {
"current_release_date": "2026-03-27T11:50:26+00:00",
"cve": "CVE-2023-20178",
"id": "CVE-2023-20178",
"initial_release_date": "2023-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
"product_status:known_not_affected": "1",
"source": "Red Hat CSAF VEX",
"status": "final",
"title": "CVE-2023-20178",
"url": "https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2023/cve-2023-20178.json",
"version": "3"
}
}
}
Loading…
Loading…
Experimental. This forecast is provided for visualization only and may change without notice. Do not use it for operational decisions.
Forecast uses a logistic model when the trend is rising, or an exponential decay model when the trend is falling. Fitted via linearized least squares.
Sightings
| Author | Source | Type | Date | Other |
|---|
Nomenclature
- Seen: The vulnerability was mentioned, discussed, or observed by the user.
- Confirmed: The vulnerability has been validated from an analyst's perspective.
- Published Proof of Concept: A public proof of concept is available for this vulnerability.
- Exploited: The vulnerability was observed as exploited by the user who reported the sighting.
- Patched: The vulnerability was observed as successfully patched by the user who reported the sighting.
- Not exploited: The vulnerability was not observed as exploited by the user who reported the sighting.
- Not confirmed: The user expressed doubt about the validity of the vulnerability.
- Not patched: The vulnerability was not observed as successfully patched by the user who reported the sighting.
Loading…
The MITRE ATT&CK techniques below are AI-generated suggestions, inferred from the description of the
vulnerability by the CIRCL/vulnerability-attack-technique-classification-roberta-base
model, served locally by ML-Gateway.
They have not been verified by an analyst and are provided for guidance only.
The approach is described in our paper Mapping CVEs to MITRE ATT&CK Techniques: A Curated Gold-Set Classifier and the Limits of LLM-Assisted Label Expansion.
Browse all ATT&CK techniques and the vulnerabilities related to each.
The approach is described in our paper Mapping CVEs to MITRE ATT&CK Techniques: A Curated Gold-Set Classifier and the Limits of LLM-Assisted Label Expansion.
Browse all ATT&CK techniques and the vulnerabilities related to each.
Loading…
Related by attack behaviour
Vulnerabilities whose description is nearest to this one in the vector space of the CIRCL/vulnerability-attack-technique-biencoder model. This is a similarity search over the bi-encoder space (plain cosine), not a classification, and it has no measured accuracy.
Loading…