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CVE-2024-20338: A vulnerability in the ISE Posture (System Scan) module of Cisco Secure Client for Linux could allow an authen

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This month
HIGH 7.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2024-20338 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting secure client. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A vulnerability in the ISE Posture (System Scan) module of Cisco Secure Client for Linux could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to the use of an uncontrolled search path element. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by copying a malicious library file to a specific directory in the filesystem and persuading an administrator to restart a specific process. A suc

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.3 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededLow
User interactionRequired
EPSS exploit chance0.9% (top 41%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-427
Published2024-03-06
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): Cisco Systems, Inc. · Vendor: cisco

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Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

cisco secure client UPGRADE
Affected: < 5.1.2.42
Fixed in: 5.1.2.42
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy secure-client || rpm -q secure-client || secure-client --version
2. UPGRADE to 5.1.2.42 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade secure-client
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade secure-client
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
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-2024-20338?

secure client: upgrade to 5.1.2.42. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-20338 being exploited?

CVE-2024-20338 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-20338 affect?

CVE-2024-20338 affects secure client. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). A vulnerability in the ISE Posture (System Scan) module of Cisco Secure Client for Linux could allow an authenticated, local attacker to elevate privileges on an affected device. This vulnerability is due to the use of an uncontrolled se

How urgent is CVE-2024-20338?

Priority 45/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Cisco vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

References

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