Uncontrolled search path in Cisco Secure Client
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- Required
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- No fix listed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-427.
Summary
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 successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device with root privileges.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Secure Client | N/A | — | No fix listed | CNA |
- Cisco Secure Client VendorCisco Affected N/A Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
Remediation
No fixed version listed by the sources yet.
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2024-20338
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-hf75-xw57-474f
References
Advisory 1
More Cisco Secure Client vulnerabilities
- TI-2024-13271 A vulnerability in the SAML authentication process of Cisco Secure Client could allow an… CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.2
- TI-2023-06884 Incorrect default permissions in Cisco Secure Client CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
- TI-2024-03415 DHCP routing options can manipulate interface-based VPN traffic CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.6
- TI-2025-14506 Cisco Secure Client for Windows with VPN Posture (HostScan) Module DLL Hijacking Vulnerability CVSS 3.1HIGH 7.8
- TI-2024-13324 Missing authentication in Cisco Secure Client CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 6.8
- TI-2024-13398 Integer underflow in Cisco Secure Client CVSS 3.1MEDIUM 6.5
Sources
- CVE-2024-20338 · CVE Program
- CVE-2024-20338 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-hf75-xw57-474f · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences