Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2020-17393 is a local information disclosure issue in Parallels Desktop 15.1.3-47255. A low-privileged attacker already able to run code on the Mac could leak kernel-related pointer information and potentially use it with other bugs. It is not described as remotely exploitable or actively exploited in the provided sources.
Executive priority
Handle as a medium-priority workstation remediation item. It is not a network worm risk, but it can strengthen a local attack chain against macOS hosts running the affected Parallels version.
Technical view
The flaw is in the Parallels Desktop prl_hypervisor kernel extension. Improper validation of user-supplied data can leak a pointer after a handler completes. CVSS 3.0 is 6.5: local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, scope changed, high confidentiality impact only.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to systems running Parallels Desktop 15.1.3-47255. The attacker needs local low-privileged code execution first, so risk is highest on developer, admin, or shared macOS systems where untrusted code may run.
Exploitation context
The CVE and ZDI description state local exploitation prerequisites and potential chaining with other vulnerabilities for kernel-context code execution. The source bundle marks KEV as false and provides no evidence of active exploitation.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports an improper-input-validation pointer leak in prl_hypervisor. The provided sources do not name exploit activity, a standalone kernel execution path, or exact fixed versions. Avoid assuming impact beyond Parallels Desktop 15.1.3-47255.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory macOS systems for Parallels Desktop 15.1.3-47255.
- Review Parallels KB 125013 for vendor-supported remediation.
- Update Parallels Desktop if vendor guidance identifies a fixed release.
- Restrict local code execution on affected workstations.
- Prioritize systems handling sensitive workloads or privileged credentials.
Validation and detection
- Confirm installed Parallels Desktop version on managed macOS endpoints.
- Check whether prl_hypervisor kext is present on affected hosts.
- Verify remediation status against Parallels KB 125013.
- Review endpoint telemetry for suspicious local execution on affected systems.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2020-17393 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 6.5 (3.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N24Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.0 score
6.5MediumVector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://kb.parallels.com/en/125013CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-1011/CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Input Validation
Improper Input Validation represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.