---
id: CVE-2023-20178
title: >-
  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 t…
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 t…
severity: high
cvss: 7.8
cvssVector: 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'
cwe:
  - CWE-276
  - CWE-276
vendor: cisco
product: anyconnect_secure_mobility_client
affected:
  - anyconnect_secure_mobility_client < 4.10.07061
  - secure_client < 5.0.02075
patched:
  - anyconnect_secure_mobility_client 4.10.07061
  - secure_client 5.0.02075
published: '2023-06-28'
updated: '2026-10-08'
sourceUpdated: '2026-10-08T22:17:22.420'
source: NVD
sourceUrl: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20178'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw
    label: psirt@cisco.com
  - url: >-
      https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ac-csc-privesc-wx4U4Kw
    label: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
tags:
  - nvd
  - exploit-available
epss: 0.05374
epssPercentile: 0.92452
exploits:
  github: 1
  githubRepos:
    - 'https://github.com/Wh04m1001/CVE-2023-20178'
  checkedAt: '2026-10-08T23:17:21.759Z'
exploitAvailable: true
ingestedAt: '2026-10-08T23:16:47.350Z'
---

## Overview

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.

## Affected

- `anyconnect_secure_mobility_client < 4.10.07061`
- `secure_client < 5.0.02075`

## Remediation

Upgrade past the affected range:

- `anyconnect_secure_mobility_client 4.10.07061`
- `secure_client 5.0.02075`