How severe is CVE-2020-3974?

CVE-2020-3974 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-3974 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-3974?

CVE-2020-3974 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-3974?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-3974 published?

CVE-2020-3974 was published on 2020-07-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-3974

CVE-2020-3974 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Fusion with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (28th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Vmware Fusion
Published: 2020-07-10
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.5.5), VMware Remote Console for Mac (11.x and prior before 11.2.0 ) and Horizon Client for Mac (5.x and prior before 5.4.3) contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper XPC Client validation. Successful exploitation of this issue may allow attackers with normal user privileges to escalate their privileges to root on the system where Fusion, VMware Remote Console for Mac or Horizon Client for Mac is installed.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-3974?: VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.5.5), VMware Remote Console for Mac (11.x and prior before 11.2.0 ) and Horizon Client for Mac (5.x and prior before 5.4.3) contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper XPC Client validation. Successful exploitation of this issue may allow attackers with normal user privileges to escalate their privileges to root on the system where Fusion, VMware Remote Console for Mac or Horizon Client for Mac is installed.
How severe is CVE-2020-3974?: CVE-2020-3974 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-3974 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-3974?: CVE-2020-3974 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-3974?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-3974 published?: CVE-2020-3974 was published on 2020-07-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2020-0017.html

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:horizon_client:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:remote_console:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Vmware Fusion

CVE-2017-4901 — Critical (CVSS 9.9): The drag-and-drop (DnD) function in VMware Workstation 12.x before version 12.5.4 and Fusion 8.x before version 8.5.5…
CVE-2019-5521 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): VMware ESXi (6.7 before ESXi670-201904101-SG and 6.5 before ESXi650-201903001), Workstation (15.x before 15.0.3 and…
CVE-2024-22267 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): VMware Workstation and Fusion contain a use-after-free vulnerability in the vbluetooth device. A malicious actor with…
CVE-2024-22253 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion contain a use-after-free vulnerability in the UHCI USB controller. A malicious…
CVE-2024-22252 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion contain a use-after-free vulnerability in the XHCI USB controller. A malicious…
CVE-2012-3288 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): VMware Workstation 7.x before 7.1.6 and 8.x before 8.0.4, VMware Player 3.x before 3.1.6 and 4.x before 4.0.4, VMware…

All CVEs affecting Vmware Fusion →