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.
Use CWE-276, Cisco vendor hub and Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client product page to widen CVE-2023-20178 into its surrounding weakness, vendor, and product context.
Compare it with CVE-2021-34788, CVE-2021-1567 and CVE-2021-1496 for nearby disclosures in the same product family. Additional editorial context is available in The Weekly Cybersecurity Brief: January 30th, 2026.