Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows is susceptible to a vulnerability where insufficient validation of loaded resources allows an authenticated local attacker to perform a DLL hijacking. This could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected machine with system privileges. The vulnerability requires the attacker to possess valid credentials on the target Windows system.
- Vulnerable component: Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows
- Core weakness: Insufficient resource validation
- Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution with SYSTEM privileges
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
A local attacker with valid credentials can exploit a vulnerability in the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system privileges on the affected machine. The attack involves an attacker sending a specially crafted message to the AnyConnect process. This could lead to unauthorized code execution and compromise of the affected system.
- Requires local access and valid credentials.
- Attacker sends crafted IPC message.
- Results in code execution with SYSTEM privileges.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A vulnerability in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain system-level privileges. This occurs due to insufficient validation of loaded resources, enabling a DLL hijacking attack. Exploitation requires the attacker to have valid credentials on the affected Windows system. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution on the compromised machine.
- Likely attacker skill level: Low.
- Required access or conditions: Local, authenticated access.
- Business risk or urgency: High.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
The organization should address a vulnerability in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows that could allow a local attacker with valid credentials to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of runtime-loaded resources, which can be exploited by sending a crafted interprocess communication message. Addressing this could prevent unauthorized code execution and maintain system integrity.
- Identify all Windows systems with the affected client.
- Restrict access to affected systems.
- Apply vendor updates, verify the fix, and monitor activity.
