Privilege Escalation in VMware Fusion Affected by SETUID Binary

CVE-2026-41702

What is CVE-2026-41702?

CVE-2026-41702 is a privilege escalation vulnerability found in VMware Fusion, a virtualization platform that enables users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. The vulnerability arises from a TOCTOU (Time-of-check Time-of-use) flaw associated with a SETUID binary, which is a file with special permissions that can execute with the privileges of its owner. If exploited, this vulnerability allows a local user with minimal privileges to escalate their access to root-level permissions. This scenario can severely compromise the security posture of an organization, enabling unauthorized activities such as unauthorized access to sensitive data, system configuration changes, or deployment of malicious software.

Potential Impact of CVE-2026-41702

1. Unauthorized Privilege Escalation: Attackers can gain root access, which can lead to full control over the affected systems, allowing them to modify system settings, manage user accounts, and access confidential information.

2. System Compromise and Data Breach: With elevated privileges, an attacker could execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data breaches that threaten sensitive organizational data and client information.

3. Wider Network Vulnerabilities: The exploitation of this vulnerability could serve as a foothold for attackers to move laterally within an organization’s network, increasing the risk of broader compromises and potentially affecting interconnected systems or applications.

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