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CVE-2020-17400 : What You Need to Know

Learn about CVE-2020-17400, a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 15.1.4. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps to secure your system.

A vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 15.1.4 allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting a flaw in the prl_hypervisor kext.

Understanding CVE-2020-17400

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

What is CVE-2020-17400?

This vulnerability enables local attackers to elevate privileges on affected Parallels Desktop installations by executing low-privileged code on the target system. The flaw lies within the prl_hypervisor kext, where improper validation of user-supplied data can lead to a buffer overflow, allowing attackers to execute code within the hypervisor context.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17400

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level with significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The attack complexity is low, requiring only local access with low privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17400

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, leading to a buffer overflow within the prl_hypervisor kext.

Affected Systems and Versions

        Product: Parallels Desktop
        Vendor: Parallels
        Version: 15.1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

        Attack Complexity: Low
        Attack Vector: Local
        Privileges Required: Low
        User Interaction: None
        Scope: Changed
        Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17400 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 user access.
        Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

        Stay informed about security updates from Parallels.
        Ensure timely installation of patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

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