CVE-2020-8873: Parallels Desktop xHCI Time-Of-Check Time-Of-Use Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Mar 23, 2020
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.2-47123. 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 xHCI component. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-10031.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Parallels Parallels Desktop Macos<15.1.3

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Parallels Desktop to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 15.1.2-47123Patch ZDI-CAN-10031
  2. Compensating control

    Apply access control/segmentation so local attackers cannot obtain high-privileged code execution on the target guest system, since exploitation requires that prerequisite.

Event History

Mar 23, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:30 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:30 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 29, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·03:43 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·03:43 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2020-8873?

CVE-2020-8873 is a Parallels Desktop vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.2-47123.

2

How does CVE-2020-8873 affect Parallels Desktop?

CVE-2020-8873 affects installations of Parallels Desktop 15.1.2-47123 on macOS.

3

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2020-8873?

An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target guest system in order to exploit CVE-2020-8873.

4

What is the severity rating of CVE-2020-8873?

CVE-2020-8873 has a severity rating of 8.2 (high).

5

How can I fix CVE-2020-8873?

To fix CVE-2020-8873, it is recommended to update Parallels Desktop to 15.1.3 or later.

Contact

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