PatchTheCVECVE-2020-3153: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows Uncontrolled Search Path Vulnerability
CVE-2020-3153 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting anyconnect secure mobility client, reported as exploited in the wild. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
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 attack
Why this priority
- EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
- Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Used in ransomware campaigns
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 28.5% (top 2%) |
| CISA exploited list | Yes, fix due 2022-11-14, used in ransomware |
| Weakness | CWE-427 |
| Published | 2020-02-19 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-12 |
Last updated 2026-08-12 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Exploited Added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list
- Deadline CISA due date for US federal agencies to patch
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: goichot/CVE-2020-3153 (103 stars)
- GitHub PoC: shubham0d/CVE-2020-3153 (5 stars)
- GitHub PoC: raspberry-pie/CVE-2020-3153 (0 stars)
- Metasploit: Cisco AnyConnect Privilege Escalations (CVE-2020-3153 and CVE-2020-3433)
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2020-3153?
anyconnect secure mobility client: upgrade to 4.8.02042. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-3153 being exploited?
Yes. CVE-2020-3153 is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list, so treat it as patch-now.
What does CVE-2020-3153 affect?
CVE-2020-3153 affects anyconnect secure mobility client. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). 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 vulnerab
How urgent is CVE-2020-3153?
Priority 82/100. EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV); Used in ransomware campaigns; Public exploit reference
Software pages
Windows vulnerabilities · Cisco vulnerabilities
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