Disclosure summary
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.
Source-reported weakness categories
CWE-276
Source-specific records & product guidance
Sources retain their own attribution and scoring. Follow the original record to confirm affected versions, fixed releases, and configuration conditions.
NIST National Vulnerability Database · NVD-CVE-2023-20178
Open original source · Updated Oct 08, 2026
Only CPE matches marked vulnerable=true are indexed. AND/OR platform conditions must be checked in the original NVD record.
| Vendor | Product / association | Version / bounds |
|---|---|---|
| cisco | anyconnect_secure_mobility_client | * {"versionEndExcluding":"4.10.07061"} |
| cisco | secure_client | * {"versionEndExcluding":"5.0.02075"} |
Original records & references
- NIST NVD record
- CVE Program record
- sec.cloudapps.cisco.com — Vendor Advisory
- sec.cloudapps.cisco.com — Vendor Advisory
PUBLISHED 2023-06-28T11:15:09-04:00
MODIFIED 2026-10-08T18:17:22-04:00
INGESTED 2026-10-10T20:50:21-04:00