CVE-2025-0413 in Parallels
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
Parallels Desktop Technical Data Reporter Link Following 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 host system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Technical Data Reporter component. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to change the permissions of arbitrary files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-25014.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-0413 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within Parallels Desktop's Technical Data Reporter component that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper file system permission handling in system services. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-276 principle of incorrect permissions, where a service component fails to properly validate file operations, creating an exploitable path for attackers to manipulate system security controls. The Technical Data Reporter service, designed to collect system information for diagnostic purposes, contains a flaw that allows attackers to manipulate file permissions through symbolic link manipulation, effectively bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized modifications to system-critical files.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the attacker's ability to create symbolic links that can be followed by the vulnerable service component, which then processes these links without proper validation of the target file permissions. This creates a privilege escalation pathway where an attacker with low-privileged access can manipulate the permissions of files that should normally be restricted to root access. The vulnerability specifically targets the service's handling of file operations, where it follows symbolic links without proper verification of the underlying file's security context, allowing attackers to modify permissions of arbitrary files on the system. This technique aligns with ATT&CK tactic T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through service exploitation, where attackers leverage weaknesses in system services to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. Once exploited, attackers can modify system files, install malicious software, establish persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local access and low-privileged execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have access to system resources but should not possess administrative privileges. The attack vector demonstrates how seemingly benign diagnostic services can become attack vectors when they fail to properly validate file system operations, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate service hardening and access control measures that prevent attackers from creating symbolic links that can be exploited by the Technical Data Reporter service. System administrators should implement proper file system permissions that prevent modification of critical system files by non-privileged users, while also ensuring that the service operates with minimal required privileges. The recommended approach includes restricting symbolic link creation capabilities for the service, implementing proper input validation for file operations, and ensuring that all file system interactions are properly authenticated and authorized. Additionally, regular system updates and patches should be applied immediately upon release, as this vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited without requiring network access or complex attack vectors, making it a high-priority target for immediate remediation efforts.