CVE-2024-34331 is a critical privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Parallels Desktop for Mac versions 19.3.0 and below. The root cause is the absence of code signature verification when processing macOS installers, which allows attackers to craft malicious installers that the Parallels Service accepts without validation. Since the Parallels Service operates with setuid root privileges, exploiting this flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions, bypassing macOS security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management). The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects its criticality, with attack vector being network accessible (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the risk of exploitation is high due to the ease of attack and the powerful privileges gained. This vulnerability threatens the integrity and security of macOS systems running Parallels Desktop, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent root access and control over the host system.

The impact of CVE-2024-34331 is severe for organizations using Parallels Desktop on macOS. Successful exploitation results in full root privilege escalation, enabling attackers to bypass all user-level restrictions and security mechanisms. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, disruption of system availability, and complete system compromise. Enterprises relying on Parallels for virtualization may face significant operational risks, including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability also poses a risk to individual users who may lose control over their devices. Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the flaw, the threat could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value macOS endpoints, especially in environments where Parallels is used for development, testing, or production virtualization.

To mitigate CVE-2024-34331, organizations should immediately upgrade Parallels Desktop to a version that includes a fix for this vulnerability once available. Until a patch is released, administrators should restrict the execution of untrusted macOS installers and monitor for unusual activity related to Parallels Service. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized installers from running. Limit the use of Parallels Service with setuid root privileges where possible, or run it with the least privileges necessary. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect privilege escalation attempts. Regularly audit and monitor system logs for suspicious behavior involving Parallels processes. Additionally, educate users about the risks of running untrusted installers and enforce strict policies on software installation. Network segmentation can also reduce the risk of lateral movement if a host is compromised.