CVE-2021-34854 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2021-34854 article provides insights into a privilege escalation vulnerability found in Parallels Desktop version 16.1.3 (49160), impacting local attackers.

Understanding CVE-2021-34854

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-34854 vulnerability affecting Parallels Desktop.

What is CVE-2021-34854?

CVE-2021-34854 is a vulnerability that enables local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.3 (49160) by exploiting an issue within the Toolgate component.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34854

The impact of CVE-2021-34854 is rated as high in terms of attack complexity, attack vector, availability impact, confidentiality impact, integrity impact, and base severity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34854

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-34854 vulnerability affecting Parallels Desktop.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, leading to uncontrolled memory allocation that can be exploited for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Parallels Desktop version 16.1.3 (49160) is the specific version affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing low-privileged code on the target guest system to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the hypervisor.

Mitigation and Prevention

For mitigating the CVE-2021-34854 vulnerability, immediate actions and long-term security practices are necessary.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should ensure they have updated to a secure version of Parallels Desktop and follow security best practices to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security protocols, restricting access, and monitoring for unusual activity can enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates released by Parallels can help address vulnerabilities and protect systems.