Cisco AnyConnect Network Access Manager bug

[JohnGuest]

Hi All,

I am not sure this is the appropriate place to report a bug, but I haven't found any better forum.

I use Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client 4.4.02039 along with its Network Access Manager module. I use Windows 7 64 bit's in-built PPPoE client to establish my broadband connection to the Internet. Once this connection is eatablished and I (accidentally) pull out the network cable, Windows crashes and I need to hard-reset my machine.

After a lot of trials I have found that breaking the established PPPoE network link causes OS crash only if Cisco's NAM is installed (not necessarily used actively, just installed). Uninstallalling the NAM component fixes the issue, the standalone AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client works fine in itself.

Of course Microsoft is also responsible for this as a Cisco's crash should not make the entire kernel crash as well, but let's focus on Cisco's side now. Do you have some more details on this? The issue was the same on 3.0.3050 as well.

Thanks!

[patoberli]

I suggest you first try to update your AnyConnect, as 4.4x is fairly old. 4.6.01103 is the current version.
Oh and it could also be the LAN or WLAN driver, maybe even Bluetooth (has also networking features).

[JohnGuest]

I tried 4.5 out, but it's the same there as well. Also tried on a different machine (different motherboard manufacturer, thus different drivers) with a different Windows release, and the issue is reproducible there, so it must be Cisco.

[patoberli]

Doesn't need to be the fault of Cisco.

What error code (BSOD) is shown when the system crashes?

And does it show a driver?

[JohnGuest]

This is not a Blue Death actually, the system simply freezes. The mouse pointer stops to react, keyboard inputs are also not accepted anymore. All the applications freeze, but the screen keeps working. I walked though all the Event logs, but all of them lacks any entries in the minute when the issue occurred. I checked the Cisco logs as well, no entries.

I would believe you that Cisco is innocent, I just need some more confirmation/information os this. Any other idea what should I check?

Thanks!

[patoberli]

Oh system freeze is always nasty to troubleshoot.

I'm fairly sure it's another software that is installed on those two affected machines, most probably some security software.

[JohnGuest]

There is no security softwares installed on them, no antivirus, nothing. On the other hand, why does the issue get immediately fixed when NAM is removed? Cisco must be responsible for this, at least partially.

[patoberli]

Could be, because it is installing various drivers. I guess you have to open a TAC to troubleshoot this issue in detail.

[JohnGuest]

Thank you for your help!