CVE-2020-8871: Parallels Desktop VGA Out-Of-Bounds Write Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.0-47107 . An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the VGA virtual device. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-9403.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Parallels Desktopto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 15.1.0-47107Patch ZDI-CAN-9403 - Compensating control
Mitigate by restricting untrusted users from obtaining high-privileged code execution on the target guest system (since the attacker must first gain high-privileged code execution on the guest to exploit the VGA virtual device flaw).
- Compensating control
Mitigate risk by limiting access to the Parallels Desktop environment (local attackers can escalate privileges on affected installations).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2020-8871?
CVE-2020-8871 is a vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.0-47107.
How can this vulnerability be exploited?
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system.
What is the severity of CVE-2020-8871?
The severity of CVE-2020-8871 is high with a CVSS score of 8.2.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2020-8871?
This vulnerability affects Parallels Desktop versions up to and including 15.1.3.
How can I fix CVE-2020-8871?
To fix CVE-2020-8871, users should update Parallels Desktop to a version that is not affected by the vulnerability.