CVE-2020-3433
HighExploitedPublic exploitA 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.
Published Jun 8, 2023 · Updated Aug 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-3433 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 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 10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client 4.9.00086.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
10%
Higher than 95.5% 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-2020-3433 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 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.
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 | >= n/a | 4.9.00086 |
Patched Releases
Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client
4.9.00086
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 interprocess communication (IPC) channel of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking attack.
Affected: Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (Cisco) versions >= n/a. 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 4.9.00086.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2020-3433 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo