CVE-2020-3153
MediumExploitedPublic exploitA 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.
Published Jun 8, 2023 · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · Also known as TR-23-0333
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-3153 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 v3.1) affecting Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (Cisco).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 20, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 28% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client 4.8.02042, Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client n/a.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
6.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
28%
Higher than 98.1% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-3153 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Oct 24, 2022 | Nov 14, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 20, 2022 | Nov 14, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Oct 24, 2022 | Nov 14, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Oct 24, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Anyconnect Secure Mobility ClientCisco | >= unspecified | 4.8.02042 |
Patched Releases
Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client
4.8.02042, n/a
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 20, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
Oct 24, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Oct 24, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Oct 24, 2022
Publicly disclosed
Jun 8, 2023
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element
References
- advisoryhttps://gixtools.net/2023/06/cisco-adaptive-security-appliance-software-and-firepower-threat-defense-software-for-firepower-2100-series-appliances-ssl-tls-denial-of-service-vulnerability/
- advisoryhttps://gixtools.net/2023/06/cisco-expressway-series-and-cisco-telepresence-video-communication-server-privilege-escalation-vulnerabilities/
- advisoryhttps://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-asaftd-ssl-dos-uu7mV5p6
- advisoryhttps://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-asaftd-ssl-dos-uu7mV5p6?vs_f=Cisco%20Security%20Advisory&vs_cat=Security%20Intelligence&vs_type=RSS&vs_p=Cisco%20Adaptive%20Security%20Appliance%20Software%20and%20Firepower%20Threat%20Defense%20Software%20for%20Firepower%202100%20Series%20Appliances%20SSL/TLS%20Denial%20of%20Service%20Vulnerability&vs_k=1
- advisoryhttps://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-expressway-priv-esc-Ls2B9t7b
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (Cisco) versions >= unspecified. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 20, 2022 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Oct 24, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Nov 14, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client 4.8.02042, Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client n/a.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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