CVE-2020-17396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 15.1.4 allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting an integer overflow in the prl_hypervisor module.

Understanding CVE-2020-17396

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 15.1.4.

What is CVE-2020-17396?

CVE-2020-17396 is a security flaw in Parallels Desktop 15.1.4 that enables local attackers to elevate their privileges by taking advantage of an integer overflow within the prl_hypervisor module.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17396

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level. It can lead to a local attacker executing code in the kernel context, posing a significant threat to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17396

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, resulting in an integer overflow before buffer allocation, which can be exploited for privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Parallels Desktop
Vendor: Parallels
Affected Version: 15.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Changed
Impact: High impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17396 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Parallels promptly.
Monitor and restrict low-privileged code execution on systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit potential attack surfaces.
Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Stay informed about security advisories and best practices to enhance overall system security.
Consider implementing additional security measures such as intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Parallels Desktop is updated to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.