How severe is CVE-2023-34298?

CVE-2023-34298 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-34298 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-34298?

CVE-2023-34298 primarily affects Ivanti Pulse Secure Desktop Client. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-34298?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2023-34298 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2023-34298 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-38379.

When was CVE-2023-34298 published?

CVE-2023-34298 was published on 2024-05-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-34298

CVE-2023-34298 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ivanti Pulse Secure Desktop Client with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (58th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-38379
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Ivanti Pulse Secure Desktop Client
Published: 2024-05-03
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Pulse Secure Client SetupService Directory Traversal Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Pulse Secure Client. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within SetupService. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service. Was ZDI-CAN-17687.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-34298?: Pulse Secure Client SetupService Directory Traversal Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Pulse Secure Client. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within SetupService. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service. Was ZDI-CAN-17687.
How severe is CVE-2023-34298?: CVE-2023-34298 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-34298 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (58th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-34298?: CVE-2023-34298 primarily affects Ivanti Pulse Secure Desktop Client. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-34298?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2023-34298 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2023-34298 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-38379.
When was CVE-2023-34298 published?: CVE-2023-34298 was published on 2024-05-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:pulse_secure_desktop_client:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:pulse_secure_desktop_client:9.1:r15:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:pulse_secure_installer_service:9.1:r18.23345:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:pulse_secure_installer_service:22.4.1439:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:secure_access_client:22.2:r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:secure_access_client:22.3:r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ivanti:secure_access_client:22.3:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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