CVE-2021-27242 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-27242, a vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 16.0.1-48919 that allows local attackers to escalate privileges through a memory corruption flaw in the Toolgate component.

Understanding CVE-2021-27242

CVE-2021-27242 is a security vulnerability in Parallels Desktop 16.0.1-48919 that enables local attackers to gain escalated privileges by exploiting a memory corruption issue within the Toolgate component.

What is CVE-2021-27242?

CVE-2021-27242 allows attackers to elevate privileges on affected systems by executing low-privileged code first on the target guest system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, leading to a memory corruption condition.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27242

The impact of CVE-2021-27242 is rated as high, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability being significantly affected. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute code within the hypervisor's context, leading to severe consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27242

CVE-2021-27242 is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and has a CVSS v3.0 base score of 8.8, denoting a high severity vulnerability. It has a low attack complexity and vector, but high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, resulting in a memory corruption condition that allows privilege escalation and code execution in the hypervisor’s context.

Affected Systems and Versions

Parallels Desktop version 16.0.1-48919 is affected by this vulnerability, potentially impacting systems where this specific version is installed.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target guest system can exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute malicious code within the hypervisor.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-27242, immediate steps should be taken alongside implementing long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and users should apply relevant security patches, restrict access to vulnerable systems, and monitor for any unusual activities indicating exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures, including regular security assessments, training to identify and respond to threats, and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems are promptly updated with the latest security patches provided by Parallels to address the CVE-2021-27242 vulnerability.