{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-20178"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-276"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-06-28T15:15:09Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "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.",
  "id": "GHSA-6rj9-hcv7-94r5",
  "modified": "2023-06-28T15:30:23Z",
  "published": "2023-06-28T15:30:23Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20178"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

{
  "document": {
    "acknowledgments": [
      {
        "summary": "Cisco would like to thank Filip Dragovic for reporting this vulnerability."
      }
    ],
    "category": "csaf_security_advisory",
    "csaf_version": "2.0",
    "notes": [
      {
        "category": "summary",
        "text": "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\nThis 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.\r\n\r\nCisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAttention: Simplifying the Cisco portfolio includes the renaming of security products under one brand: Cisco Secure. For more information, see Meet Cisco Secure [\"https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/secure-names.html\"].",
        "title": "Summary"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "This vulnerability affects Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows.\r\n\r\nNote: For releases earlier than Release 5.0, Cisco Secure Client for Windows is known as Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows.\r\n\r\nFor information about which Cisco software releases are vulnerable, see the Fixed Software [\"#fs\"] section of this advisory.",
        "title": "Vulnerable Products"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "Only products listed in the Vulnerable Products [\"#vp\"] section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.\r\n\r\nCisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect the following products:\r\n\r\nCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Linux\r\nCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for MacOS\r\nCisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Universal Windows Platform\r\nCisco Secure Client-AnyConnect for Android\r\nCisco Secure Client AnyConnect VPN for iOS\r\nCisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) for Universal Windows Platform\r\nCisco Secure Client for Linux\r\nCisco Secure Client for MacOS",
        "title": "Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.",
        "title": "Workarounds"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "Cisco has released free software updates [\"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html#ssu\"] that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers with service contracts that entitle them to regular software updates should obtain security fixes through their usual update channels.\r\n\r\nCustomers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license:\r\nhttps://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html [\"https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html\"]\r\n\r\nAdditionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.\r\n\r\nThe Cisco Support and Downloads page [\"https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/index.html\"] on Cisco.com provides information about licensing and downloads. This page can also display customer device support coverage for customers who use the My Devices tool.\r\n\r\nWhen considering software upgrades [\"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html#fixes\"], customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories page [\"https://www.cisco.com/go/psirt\"], to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.\r\n\r\nIn all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.\r\n  Customers Without Service Contracts\r\nCustomers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html [\"https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html\"]\r\n\r\nCustomers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.\r\n      Fixed Releases\r\nIn the following tables, the left column lists Cisco software releases. The right column indicates whether a release is affected by the vulnerability that is described in this advisory and the first release that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Customers are advised to upgrade to an appropriate fixed software release [\"https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html#fixes\"] as indicated in this section.\r\n           Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows Software  First Fixed Release           4.10 and earlier  4.10MR7 (4.10.07061)\r\n            Cisco Secure Client for Windows Software  First Fixed Release           5.0  5.0MR2 (5.0.02075)\r\nThe Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) validates only the affected and fixed release information that is documented in this advisory.",
        "title": "Fixed Software"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy [\"http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/psirt/security_vulnerability_policy.html\"]. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.",
        "title": "Vulnerability Policy"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "The Cisco PSIRT is aware that proof-of-concept exploit code is available for the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.",
        "title": "Exploitation and Public Announcements"
      },
      {
        "category": "general",
        "text": "Cisco would like to thank Filip Dragovic for reporting this vulnerability.",
        "title": "Source"
      },
      {
        "category": "legal_disclaimer",
        "text": "THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN \"AS IS\" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.\r\n\r\nA standalone copy or paraphrase of the text of this document that omits the distribution URL is an uncontrolled copy and may lack important information or contain factual errors. The information in this document is intended for end users of Cisco products.",
        "title": "Legal Disclaimer"
      }
    ],
    "publisher": {
      "category": "vendor",
      "contact_details": "psirt@cisco.com",
      "issuing_authority": "Cisco PSIRT",
      "name": "Cisco",
      "namespace": "https://wwww.cisco.com"
    },
    "references": [
      {
        "category": "self",
        "summary": "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability",
        "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy",
        "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "Meet Cisco Secure",
        "url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/secure-names.html"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "free software updates",
        "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html#ssu"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html",
        "url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.html"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "Cisco Support and Downloads page",
        "url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/index.html"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "considering software upgrades",
        "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security_vulnerability_policy.html#fixes"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "Cisco Security Advisories page",
        "url": "https://www.cisco.com/go/psirt"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html",
        "url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.html"
      },
      {
        "category": "external",
        "summary": "Security Vulnerability Policy",
        "url": "http://www.cisco.com/web/about/security/psirt/security_vulnerability_policy.html"
      }
    ],
    "title": "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability",
    "tracking": {
      "current_release_date": "2023-07-05T16:20:46+00:00",
      "generator": {
        "date": "2023-07-05T16:20:47+00:00",
        "engine": {
          "name": "TVCE"
        }
      },
      "id": "cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw",
      "initial_release_date": "2023-06-07T16:00:00+00:00",
      "revision_history": [
        {
          "date": "2023-06-07T15:56:51+00:00",
          "number": "1.0.0",
          "summary": "Initial public release."
        },
        {
          "date": "2023-06-08T18:33:45+00:00",
          "number": "1.1.0",
          "summary": "Updated fixed release information."
        },
        {
          "date": "2023-06-09T18:37:34+00:00",
          "number": "1.2.0",
          "summary": "Clarified when the update process is executed."
        },
        {
          "date": "2023-06-22T17:26:32+00:00",
          "number": "1.3.0",
          "summary": "Updated awareness of exploit code."
        },
        {
          "date": "2023-07-05T16:20:46+00:00",
          "number": "1.4.0",
          "summary": "Added items to the Products Not Confirmed Vulnerable list."
        }
      ],
      "status": "final",
      "version": "1.4.0"
    }
  },
  "product_tree": {
    "branches": [
      {
        "branches": [
          {
            "category": "product_family",
            "name": "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client",
            "product": {
              "name": "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client ",
              "product_id": "CSAFPID-109810"
            }
          }
        ],
        "category": "vendor",
        "name": "Cisco"
      }
    ]
  },
  "vulnerabilities": [
    {
      "cve": "CVE-2023-20178",
      "ids": [
        {
          "system_name": "Cisco Bug ID",
          "text": "CSCwe00252"
        }
      ],
      "notes": [
        {
          "category": "other",
          "text": "Complete.",
          "title": "Affected Product Comprehensiveness"
        }
      ],
      "product_status": {
        "known_affected": [
          "CSAFPID-109810"
        ]
      },
      "remediations": [
        {
          "category": "vendor_fix",
          "details": "Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability.",
          "product_ids": [
            "CSAFPID-109810"
          ],
          "url": "https://software.cisco.com"
        }
      ],
      "scores": [
        {
          "cvss_v3": {
            "baseScore": 7.8,
            "baseSeverity": "HIGH",
            "vectorString": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
            "version": "3.1"
          },
          "products": [
            "CSAFPID-109810"
          ]
        }
      ],
      "title": "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Client Software and Cisco Secure Client Software Privilege Escalation Vulnerability"
    }
  ]
}

{
  "GSD": {
    "alias": "CVE-2023-20178",
    "id": "GSD-2023-20178"
  },
  "gsd": {
    "metadata": {
      "exploitCode": "unknown",
      "remediation": "unknown",
      "reportConfidence": "confirmed",
      "type": "vulnerability"
    },
    "osvSchema": {
      "aliases": [
        "CVE-2023-20178"
      ],
      "details": "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": "GSD-2023-20178",
      "modified": "2023-12-13T01:20:29.250464Z",
      "schema_version": "1.4.0"
    }
  },
  "namespaces": {
    "cve.org": {
      "CVE_data_meta": {
        "ASSIGNER": "psirt@cisco.com",
        "ID": "CVE-2023-20178",
        "STATE": "PUBLIC"
      },
      "affects": {
        "vendor": {
          "vendor_data": [
            {
              "product": {
                "product_data": [
                  {
                    "product_name": "Cisco Secure Client",
                    "version": {
                      "version_data": [
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.00086"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.01095"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.02028"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.03047"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.03049"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.04043"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.04053"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.05042"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.9.06037"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.00093"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.01075"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.02086"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.03104"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.04065"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.04071"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.05085"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.05095"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.05111"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.06079"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "4.10.06090"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "5.0.00238"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "5.0.00529"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "5.0.00556"
                        },
                        {
                          "version_affected": "=",
                          "version_value": "5.0.01242"
                        }
                      ]
                    }
                  }
                ]
              },
              "vendor_name": "Cisco"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      "data_format": "MITRE",
      "data_type": "CVE",
      "data_version": "4.0",
      "description": {
        "description_data": [
          {
            "lang": "eng",
            "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."
          }
        ]
      },
      "exploit": [
        {
          "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."
        }
      ],
      "impact": {
        "cvss": [
          {
            "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"
          }
        ]
      },
      "problemtype": {
        "problemtype_data": [
          {
            "description": [
              {
                "cweId": "CWE-276",
                "lang": "eng",
                "value": "Incorrect Default Permissions"
              }
            ]
          }
        ]
      },
      "references": {
        "reference_data": [
          {
            "name": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw",
            "refsource": "MISC",
            "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"
      }
    },
    "nvd.nist.gov": {
      "cve": {
        "configurations": [
          {
            "nodes": [
              {
                "cpeMatch": [
                  {
                    "criteria": "cpe:2.3:a:cisco:anyconnect_secure_mobility_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*",
                    "matchCriteriaId": "9980A481-8A54-475A-B735-0C339FF30314",
                    "versionEndExcluding": "4.10.07061",
                    "vulnerable": true
                  },
                  {
                    "criteria": "cpe:2.3:a:cisco:secure_client:*:*:*:*:*:windows:*:*",
                    "matchCriteriaId": "7A856448-9BF4-4693-A1EA-3B6C06DB4259",
                    "versionEndExcluding": "5.0.02075",
                    "vulnerable": true
                  }
                ],
                "negate": false,
                "operator": "OR"
              }
            ]
          }
        ],
        "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": "2024-01-25T17:15:32.647",
        "metrics": {
          "cvssMetricV31": [
            {
              "cvssData": {
                "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"
              },
              "exploitabilityScore": 1.8,
              "impactScore": 5.9,
              "source": "nvd@nist.gov",
              "type": "Primary"
            },
            {
              "cvssData": {
                "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"
              },
              "exploitabilityScore": 1.8,
              "impactScore": 5.9,
              "source": "ykramarz@cisco.com",
              "type": "Secondary"
            }
          ]
        },
        "published": "2023-06-28T15:15:09.880",
        "references": [
          {
            "source": "ykramarz@cisco.com",
            "tags": [
              "Vendor Advisory"
            ],
            "url": "https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw"
          }
        ],
        "sourceIdentifier": "ykramarz@cisco.com",
        "vulnStatus": "Modified",
        "weaknesses": [
          {
            "description": [
              {
                "lang": "en",
                "value": "CWE-276"
              }
            ],
            "source": "nvd@nist.gov",
            "type": "Primary"
          },
          {
            "description": [
              {
                "lang": "en",
                "value": "CWE-276"
              }
            ],
            "source": "ykramarz@cisco.com",
            "type": "Secondary"
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}