CVE-2023-20241:Cisco Secure Client Software (formerly AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client) contains multiple vulnerabilities allowing authenticated local attackers to cause denial of service conditions through out-of-bounds memory read operations.

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Multiple vulnerabilities have been identified in Cisco Secure Client Software (formerly known as AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client) that could allow an authenticated, local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition. These vulnerabilities are tracked as CVE-2023-20241 and are classified as CWE-125 (out-of-bounds read). The issue occurs when an attacker with valid credentials on a multi-user system logs in at the same time another user is accessing Cisco Secure Client and sends crafted packets to a local port. A successful exploit can crash the VPN Agent service, making it unavailable to all users of the affected system.

Overview

The vulnerabilities in Cisco Secure Client Software stem from improper boundary checking leading to out-of-bounds memory read operations. These vulnerabilities specifically impact multi-user environments where multiple users can log into the same system simultaneously. When exploited, the VPN Agent service crashes, disrupting VPN connectivity for all users on the affected system. The attack requires local authentication, meaning the attacker must have valid credentials on the target system. This represents a moderate severity issue as it requires specific conditions and local access but can impact service availability for multiple users.

Remediation

To address these vulnerabilities, system administrators should:

  1. Apply the latest security updates provided by Cisco for Secure Client Software
  2. Follow Cisco's security advisory (cisco-sa-accsc-dos-9SLzkZ8) for specific patch information
  3. Consider implementing additional access controls to limit who can authenticate to systems running Cisco Secure Client in multi-user environments
  4. Monitor for unexpected crashes of the VPN Agent service which may indicate exploitation attempts
  5. Ensure proper user account management and remove unnecessary user accounts from systems running Cisco Secure Client

References

  1. Cisco Security Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-accsc-dos-9SLzkZ8
  2. CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/125.html
  3. MITRE CVE-2023-20241: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-20241

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  7. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  8. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  9. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  10. Utilities
    Utilities
  11. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  12. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  13. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  14. Information
    Information
  15. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  19. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  20. Construction
    Construction

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