Desktop: XML Injection
CVE-2023-27328 is a high-severity XML injection vulnerability in Desktop from Parallels, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Desktop versions: 18.0.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update parallels_desktop to 18.1.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on kb.parallels.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parallels | Desktop | 18.0.2 | Not stated |
| Parallels | parallels_desktop | before 18.1.1 | 18.1.1 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (trendmicro.com).
Official description
Parallels Desktop Toolgate XML Injection Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. 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 a user-supplied string before using it to construct an XML document. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the hypervisor. Was ZDI-CAN-19187.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: XML Injection
The product does not properly neutralize special elements that are used in XML, allowing attackers to modify the syntax, content, or commands of the XML before it is processed by an end system.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-23-220/Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Desktop
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent XML Injection vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
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