CVE-2023-27322:Parallels Desktop Service Improper Initialization Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

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Description Preview

A vulnerability in Parallels Desktop Service allows local attackers with low-level privileges to escalate to root privileges. The issue stems from improper initialization of environment variables within the Parallels Service, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on affected systems.

Overview

CVE-2023-27322 affects Parallels Desktop, a popular virtualization software for macOS. The vulnerability exists in the Parallels Service component, which runs with elevated privileges. Due to improper initialization of environment variables, an attacker who already has access to run low-privileged code on the target system can manipulate these variables to trigger a privilege escalation. This allows the execution of arbitrary code with root-level permissions, effectively compromising the entire system. This vulnerability was reported to the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-17751 and was later published as advisory ZDI-23-216.

Remediation

Users of affected Parallels Desktop installations should:

  1. Update to the latest version of Parallels Desktop as provided by the vendor
  2. Apply any security patches released by Parallels specifically addressing this vulnerability
  3. Follow the guidance provided in the Parallels Knowledge Base article (KB125013)
  4. Implement the principle of least privilege for all user accounts with access to the system
  5. Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts

References

  1. Parallels Knowledge Base Article: https://kb.parallels.com/125013
  2. Zero Day Initiative Advisory: https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-216/
  3. CVE Details: CVE-2023-27322
  4. Original ZDI Submission: ZDI-CAN-17751

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

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  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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