CVE-2021-34986: Parallels Desktop Service Time-Of-Check Time-Of-Use Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Jul 15, 2022
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.5.0 (49183). An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Parallels Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to execute a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-13932.

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 system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the Parallels Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to execute a file. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Parallels Parallels Desktop Macos=16.5.0
Parallels Desktop

Event History

Jul 15, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:05 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:05 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Mar 24, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·07:01 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-34986?

CVE-2021-34986 is a vulnerability that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop 16.5.0 (49183).

2

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2021-34986?

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

3

What is the affected software?

The affected software is Parallels Desktop 16.5.0 (49183).

4

How severe is CVE-2021-34986?

CVE-2021-34986 has a severity rating of 7.8 (High).

5

How do I fix CVE-2021-34986?

To fix CVE-2021-34986, you should update Parallels Desktop to the latest version provided by the vendor.

Contact

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