CVE-2020-3950

Name: CVE-2020-3950
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-03-17T19:15:12.05+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 7.25%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-3950 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.5.2), VMware Remote Console for Mac (11.x and prior before 11.0.1) and Horizon Client for Mac (5.x and prior before 5.4.0) contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper use of setuid binaries. Successful exploitation of this issue may allow attackers with normal user privileges to escalate their privileges to root on the system where Fusion, VMRC or Horizon Client is installed.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 7.25% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.5.2), VMware Remote Console for Mac (11.x and prior before 11.0.1) and Horizon Client for Mac (5.x and prior before 5.4.0) contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper use of setuid binaries. Successful exploitation of this issue may allow attackers with normal user privileges to escalate their privileges to root on the system where Fusion, VMRC or Horizon Client is installed.

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

7.25%

93.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Vmware	Fusion	>= 11.0.0, < 11.5.2
Vmware	Horizon Client	>= 5.0.0, < 5.4.0
Vmware	Remote Console	>= 11.0.0, < 11.0.1

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156843/VMware-Fusion-11.5.2-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157079/VMware-Fusion-USB-Arbitrator-Setuid-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2020-0005.htmlVendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156843/VMware-Fusion-11.5.2-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157079/VMware-Fusion-USB-Arbitrator-Setuid-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2020-0005.htmlVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-3950US Government Resource

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-3950?

How severe is CVE-2020-3950?

CVE-2020-3950 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 7.25% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-3950?

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-2020-3950?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST