CVE-2020-3153: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2020-3153 is a medium (CVSS 6.5) Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability in Cisco AnyConnect Secure. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 24-10-2022. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 28.31% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.1% of scored vulnerabilities. 5 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 19-02-2020
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 24-10-2022
   Added to CISA KEVCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability
3. 14-11-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 12-08-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

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.

• CWE-427Uncontrolled Search Path ElementThe product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.