CVE-2020-3153 MEDIUM

CVE-2020-3153: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability

Vendor Cisco
Product Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
Weakness CWE-427
KEV Status Known Exploited
Ransomware Used in campaigns
Published February 19, 2020
Last update October 21, 2025

CVSS base score

6.5/10
Attack vector Local
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required Low
User interaction None
Confidentiality None
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N

What the vulnerability does

01Description

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.

CISA mandated remediation

02CISA Required Action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Key dates

03Disclosure timeline

February 19, 2020 CVE published
October 21, 2025 Record updated