CVE-2020-3948

Name: CVE-2020-3948
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-03-16T18:15:12.527+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.28%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-3948 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Linux Guest VMs running on VMware Workstation (15.x before 15.5.2) and Fusion (11.x before 11.5.2) contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper file permissions in Cortado Thinprint. Local attackers with non-administrative access to a Linux guest VM with virtual printing enabled may exploit this issue to elevate their privileges to root on the same guest VM.. EPSS estimates a 0.28% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Linux Guest VMs running on VMware Workstation (15.x before 15.5.2) and Fusion (11.x before 11.5.2) contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper file permissions in Cortado Thinprint. Local attackers with non-administrative access to a Linux guest VM with virtual printing enabled may exploit this issue to elevate their privileges to root on the same guest VM.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.28%

19.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-732

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Vmware	Fusion	>= 11.0.0, < 11.5.2
Vmware	Workstation	>= 15.0.0, < 15.5.2

References

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2020-0004.htmlVendor Advisory
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2020-0004.htmlVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 16, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-3948?

How severe is CVE-2020-3948?

CVE-2020-3948 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.28% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-3948?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-3948?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST