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.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium with a CVSS score of 6.5. This level of severity indicates that while the vulnerability does not pose an immediate threat, its exploitation could lead to significant system compromise. Organizations should be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability, as it could allow unauthorized access to sensitive system areas.
Currently, this vulnerability is known to be actively exploited, making it crucial for organizations to prioritize patching immediately. The fact that it allows attackers to leverage valid credentials to execute malicious activities increases the urgency for remediation.
Organizations must conduct thorough assessments to identify any instances of the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client that are vulnerable and apply necessary patches or mitigations as soon as possible to safeguard against potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-427, which pertains to Uncontrolled Search Path Element. This classification highlights the risk associated with improper handling of file paths within the application. The primary metric for this vulnerability is a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level.
The affected product is the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, specifically versions prior to 4.8.02042. The vulnerability was published on February 19, 2020, and has since been analyzed and documented by Cisco's PSIRT team.
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the installer component of the Cisco AnyConnect application. The root cause lies in the improper handling of directory paths, which can be manipulated by an attacker with valid credentials. The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker must have access to the system in question.
The attack complexity is low, and the privileges required are also low, allowing a local authenticated user to perform the necessary actions without any user interaction. The impact on integrity is classified as high, as attackers could overwrite or manipulate sensitive files, leading to potential data breaches or system instability.
The confidentiality impact is none, while availability impact is also none, indicating that the vulnerability primarily affects the integrity of the system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized manipulation of files within the system. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as DLL pre-loading or hijacking, which could lead to further exploitation in the network.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is high, given that it is actively exploited in the wild. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability and protect their systems from potential attacks.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, as it affects all instances of the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client installed on Windows systems. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability may face substantial risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
All versions of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client prior to 4.8.02042 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using older versions must ensure they are updated to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to apply the latest updates provided by Cisco to remediate this vulnerability. To address the risks effectively, organizations should refer to the detailed guidance provided by Cisco in their advisory.
In addition to patching, organizations should also consider implementing strict access controls, monitoring file integrity, and conducting regular security assessments to ensure that the system remains secure against potential exploitation.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual file modifications, especially within system directories, can help identify potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also pay attention to behavioral anomalies that could indicate attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
Implementing network intrusion detection systems can also aid in identifying attempts to exploit this vulnerability by analyzing traffic patterns and signatures associated with known attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability is underscored by its classification as a known exploited vulnerability. The pattern of exploitation suggests that vulnerabilities in widely used applications, such as Cisco AnyConnect, are attractive targets for attackers.
Security teams should take this as a lesson in the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and regularly assessing systems for vulnerabilities. Ensuring that all components of a security stack are up-to-date is crucial in defending against evolving threats.
Organizations should reinforce their security posture by implementing proactive measures, such as continuous penetration testing and vulnerability management programs to effectively identify and mitigate potential risks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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