Environment
Cisco Secure Client VPN for Linux
Issue
As more systems upgrade their libxml2 version, the installation script available on the and version of secureclient will stop working due to requiring libxml2.so.2, which the newer version of libxml (version 2.13.8-1 and later) does not provide.
Resolution
The issue regarding "Cisco Secure Client libxml2.so.2" primarily concerns a dependency problem on Linux systems, specifically related to the libxml2 library. When the system's libxml2 package is updated to a newer version, it can cause compatibility issues with Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect), leading to connection failures or errors. Explanation of the Issue: Cisco Secure Client relies on specific versions of libraries like libxml2 for its functionality, including parsing XML data received during the connection process. If the system's libxml2 library is updated to a version that is incompatible with the Secure Client's expectations, it can lead to errors such as "file not found" or other runtime issues during connection attempts.
Solution #1 - Downgrade libxml2 version
One common solution is to downgrade the libxml2 package to a version known to be compatible with your Cisco Secure Client installation. This often involves retrieving an older version from your package manager's cache and reinstalling it.
The package manage used will vary depending on the distribution of Linux you're using. Refer to the support documentation & forums for your specific distribution & package manager on downgrading libxml2.
Solution #2 - Create a Local Library Copy
Another approach is to create a local copy of the compatible libxml2.so.2 file within the Cisco Secure Client's installation directory or a designated location, and then configure the client to use this specific library by modifying the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable in the client's execution scripts (e.g., vpnagentd.service for the daemon and the desktop entry for the GUI).
This prevents the client from relying on the system's potentially incompatible libxml2 version.
Solution #3 - Maintain Cisco Secure Client version updates
Ensuring your Cisco Secure Client is updated to the latest available version can also resolve compatibility issues as newer versions may include fixes for such dependency problems.
Important Considerations:
- Modifying system libraries or environment variables requires caution and understanding of potential impacts on other applications.
- Always back up relevant configuration files before making changes.
- Consult official Cisco documentation or community forums for specific instructions tailored to your Linux distribution and Secure Client version.
Additional Information
Note: ITS provides limited Linux support. Please refer to the support documentation for your distribution of Linux for performing the above solutions.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.