CVE-2021-27278: Parallels Desktop Toolgate Directory Traversal Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Apr 22, 2021
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.1-49141. 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 Toolgate component. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of the current user on the host system. Was ZDI-CAN-12130.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop. 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 Toolgate component. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied path prior to using it in file operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of the current user on the host system.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Parallels Parallels Desktop Macos=16.1.1
Parallels Desktop

Event History

Apr 22, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:50 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:50 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Mar 24, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·07:01 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID of this Parallels Desktop vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID is CVE-2021-27278.

2

What is the title of this Parallels Desktop vulnerability?

The title of this vulnerability is Parallels Desktop Toolgate Directory Traversal Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-27278?

The severity of CVE-2021-27278 is high with a severity value of 8.2.

4

How can an attacker exploit this vulnerability?

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

5

Which version of Parallels Desktop is affected by this vulnerability?

Parallels Desktop version 16.1.1 is affected by this vulnerability.

6

How can I fix this vulnerability?

Refer to the advisories provided by Parallels and apply the necessary updates or patches to Parallels Desktop.

Contact

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