How severe is CVE-2024-20338?

CVE-2024-20338 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2024-20338 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2024-20338?

CVE-2024-20338 affects Cisco Secure Client. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2024-20338?

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-2024-20338 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2024-20338 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-18053.

When was CVE-2024-20338 published?

CVE-2024-20338 was published on 2024-03-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2024-20338

CVE-2024-20338 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Secure Client with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (55th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2024-18053
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Cisco Secure Client
Published: 2024-03-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-20338?: 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.
How severe is CVE-2024-20338?: CVE-2024-20338 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2024-20338 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (55th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-20338?: CVE-2024-20338 affects Cisco Secure Client. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-20338?: 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-2024-20338 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2024-20338 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-18053.
When was CVE-2024-20338 published?: CVE-2024-20338 was published on 2024-03-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-secure-privesc-sYxQO6ds

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cisco:secure_client:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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