CVE-2020-3433: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows DLL Hijacking Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2020-3433 is a high (CVSS 7.8) 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 10.05% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 95.5% of scored vulnerabilities. 2 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 17-08-2020
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 24-10-2022
   Added to CISA KEVCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows DLL Hijacking 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 interprocess communication (IPC) channel of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking attack. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have valid credentials on the Windows system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of resources that are loaded by the application at run time. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted IPC message to the AnyConnect process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected machine with SYSTEM privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker would need to have 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.