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
Exploitation Mechanism
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17400 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Long-Term Security Practices
Patching and Updates