CVE-2013-1172 in AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Security Service in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (aka AnyConnect VPN Client) does not properly verify files, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCud14153.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1172 resides within the Cisco Security Service component of the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, a widely deployed VPN solution used by enterprises and government agencies worldwide. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that affects the client-side security mechanisms designed to protect corporate networks and user data. The AnyConnect client serves as the primary interface for remote users to establish secure connections to protected networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective. The issue stems from inadequate file verification processes within the security service module that handles critical client operations and system interactions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests through improper file verification mechanisms that fail to adequately validate the integrity and authenticity of files processed by the Cisco Security Service. This weakness allows local attackers who already have access to the system to exploit the flawed verification logic and elevate their privileges to higher system levels. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, potentially including file injection, modification of trusted components, or manipulation of installation processes. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where the security service executes with elevated privileges, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the security service's input validation and integrity checking mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1172 extends far beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain elevated system access that could lead to complete system compromise. Once an attacker achieves privilege escalation through this vulnerability, they can potentially access sensitive corporate data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The attack surface is particularly wide given that AnyConnect clients are deployed across diverse environments including remote workers, branch offices, and mobile users who may have varying levels of system security. Organizations using vulnerable versions of AnyConnect face significant risk of data breaches, insider threats, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the compromised system can serve as a launching point for broader attacks. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the AnyConnect client also indicates a systemic issue that requires comprehensive remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected AnyConnect client versions through official Cisco security updates and advisories. Organizations must implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular security assessments of endpoint systems and monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The implementation of application whitelisting and strict file access controls can help prevent exploitation of the file verification flaw by limiting which files can be executed or modified on affected systems. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous privilege escalation activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training for users who handle sensitive systems can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering or other initial access vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block suspicious activities related to privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and its potential mapping to ATT&CK technique T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) underscores the need for layered security approaches that address both the immediate technical flaw and broader threat landscape considerations.