Over the years, virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop has become an essential tool for many users who wish to conveniently run multiple operating systems on a single machine. However, recently, a new vulnerability has come to light, which raises concerns about the security of Parallels Desktop. Identified as CVE-2025-0413, this vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels Desktop. It is crucial for users to understand the intricacies of this vulnerability and how it may be exploited so that they can take appropriate measures to ensure the security of their systems.

In this post, we will delve into the details of the CVE-2025-0413 vulnerability, providing code snippets, links to original references, and discussing the potential for its exploitation.

Exploring CVE-2025-0413

The specific vulnerability lies within the Parallels Desktop Technical Data Reporter component. An attacker must first acquire the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target host system to exploit this vulnerability. If successful, a local attacker can escalate privileges on the affected machine.

As a result, the attacker can gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code in the context of root, and potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system. This flaw was formerly known as ZDI-CAN-25014.

Code Snippet

The following is a simple code snippet illustrating how a malicious actor might create a symbolic link to exploit the vulnerability, thereby abusing the Technical Data Reporter service to alter the permissions of arbitrary files:

import os

TARGET_FILE = "/path/to/target/file"
SYMLINK_NAME = "/path/to/symlink"
DATA_REPORTER_PATH = "/path/to/Technical/Data/Reporter"

os.symlink(TARGET_FILE, SYMLINK_NAME)
os.system("echo 'Exploit Data' > {}".format(DATA_REPORTER_PATH))

This Python code snippet first imports the necessary libraries. Then, it sets the TARGET_FILE variable to the path of the target file (whose permissions the attacker intends to modify). The SYMLINK_NAME variable is set to the path of the desired symbolic link, and the DATA_REPORTER_PATH contains the path to the Technical Data Reporter component.

The script then creates the symbolic link between the target file and the symlink name. Finally, it writes exploit data to the Technical Data Reporter path, causing the service to follow the symlink and inadvertently changing the permissions of the target file.

Original References and Exploit Details

For more information on CVE-2025-0413 and its exploit details, you can refer to the following resources:

- CVE Details Page – Provides a concise summary of the vulnerability, including its CVSS score, impact, and affected products.
- Parallels Desktop Security Advisory – Offers mitigation recommendations and may include patch information for the affected product.
- Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) Advisory – Contains technical details of the vulnerability, its disclosure timeline, and available solutions.

Conclusion

The discovery of the CVE-2025-0413 vulnerability in Parallels Desktop underscores the importance of maintaining robust security practices not just for operating systems but also for the virtualization software that hosts them. Users and administrators should stay updated on the latest security patches and advisories to protect their systems and data from potential exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 02/05/2025 00:15:28 UTC