CVE-2021-31420: Parallels Desktop Toolgate Stack-based Buffer Overflow Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Apr 29, 2021
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.0-48950. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-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 the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-12220.

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 low-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 the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the hypervisor.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Parallels Parallels Desktop=16.1.0-48950
Parallels Desktop

Event History

Apr 29, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:31 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:31 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Mar 24, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·07:01 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-31420?

CVE-2021-31420 is a vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.1.0-48950.

2

How does CVE-2021-31420 impact Parallels Desktop?

CVE-2021-31420 allows local attackers to escalate privileges on Parallels Desktop 16.1.0-48950 installations.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-31420?

CVE-2021-31420 has a severity rating of 8.8 (high).

4

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2021-31420?

An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target guest system in order to exploit CVE-2021-31420.

5

Are there any references for CVE-2021-31420?

Yes, you can find more information about CVE-2021-31420 at the following references: [KB Article](https://kb.parallels.com/en/125013) and [ZDI Advisory](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-428/).

Contact

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