CVE-2020-17395 : What You Need to Know

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.4. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system to exploit this flaw.

Understanding CVE-2020-17395

This CVE affects Parallels Desktop 15.1.4 and allows for privilege escalation by exploiting an integer underflow vulnerability within the prl_naptd process.

What is CVE-2020-17395?

Local attackers can escalate privileges on Parallels Desktop 15.1.4 installations.
The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, leading to an integer underflow.
Exploiting this flaw enables attackers to execute code within the hypervisor's context.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17395

CVSS Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: High
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High
Scope: Changed
User Interaction: None

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17395

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation by exploiting an integer underflow in the prl_naptd process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Parallels Desktop
Affected Version: 15.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers need to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system to leverage the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17395 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Parallels promptly.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access.
Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training to educate users on potential threats.
Utilize security tools to detect and prevent privilege escalation attempts.
Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.
Stay informed about security advisories and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Parallels for CVE-2020-17395.