CVE-2020-3588: Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability

Severity: high (CVSS 7.8 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2020-11-06 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-22

Description

A vulnerability in virtualization channel messaging in Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App for Windows could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. This vulnerability occurs when this app is deployed in a virtual desktop environment and using virtual environment optimization. This vulnerability is due to improper validation of messages processed by the Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App. A local attacker with limited privileges could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious messages to the affected software by using the virtualization channel interface. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to modify the underlying operating system configuration, which could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of a targeted user. Note: This vulnerability can be exploited only when Cisco Webex Meetings Desktop App is in a virtual desktop environment on a hosted virtual desktop (HVD) and is configured to use the Cisco Webex Meetings virtual desktop plug-in for thin clients.

Affected products

Cisco Webex Meetings: before 40.6.9; from 40.8.0 before 40.8.9 — fixed in 40.6.9, 40.8.9

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: Cisco Webex Meetings 40.6.9, 40.8.9. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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