Privilege escalation in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows

1) Insecure DLL loading

EUVDB-ID: #VU50785

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-1366

CWE-ID: CWE-427 - Uncontrolled Search Path Element

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to the application loads DLL libraries in an insecure manner. A local user can send a crafted IPC message to the AnyConnect process execute arbitrary code on the affected machine with SYSTEM privileges.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client: 4.9.00086 - 4.9.3052

External links

http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-anyconnect-dll-hijac-JrcTOQMC
http://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCvv64243
http://www.coresecurity.com/core-labs/advisories/cisco-anyconnect-posture-(hostscan)-security-service-local-privilege-escalation

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.