CVE-2026-18263
Received Received - Intake

Parallels RAS Client Local Privilege Escalation via RDP Backend

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-18263, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-08-20

Last updated on: 2026-08-20

Assigner: Zero Day Initiative

Description

Parallels RAS Client RDP Backend Service Exposed Dangerous Function Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Parallels RAS Client. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the RAS RDP Backend Service. The issue results from an exposed dangerous function. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-28886.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-20
Last Modified
2026-08-20
Generated
2026-08-20
AI Q&A
2026-08-20
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
parallels ras_client *
parallels ras_client to 21.2 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-749 The product provides an Applications Programming Interface (API) or similar interface for interaction with external actors, but the interface includes a dangerous method or function that is not properly restricted.

Attack-Flow Graph

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Executive Summary

This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Parallels RAS Client. It allows attackers with low-privileged code execution to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level by exploiting an exposed dangerous function in the RAS RDP Backend Service.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check if your Parallels RAS Client version is prior to 21.2. Use commands like 'rasclient --version' or check installed programs via 'wmic product get name,version' on Windows. Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts in system logs.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain full control of your system, install malware, steal data, or perform other malicious actions with SYSTEM privileges.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions. Such privilege escalation risks may violate compliance requirements under GDPR or HIPAA if exploited to access protected health information or personal data without authorization.

Mitigation Strategies

Update Parallels RAS Client to version 21.2 or later to address the vulnerability. Ensure the RAS RDP Backend Service is not exposed to untrusted users or networks.

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