# CVE-2026-18262: Parallels RAS Client privilege escalation in RDP Backend Service

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18262-parallels-ras-client-privilege-escalation-in-rdp-backend-service  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-20. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-18262 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-08-20

Parallels RAS Client is a remote access solution that enables users to connect to systems securely. A local privilege escalation vulnerability in the RDP Backend Service allows an attacker who already has low-level access to the system to escalate to SYSTEM-level privileges and execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the entire system.

Technologies: [Parallels RAS Client](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ras-client). Vendors: [Parallels](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/parallels).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18262 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18262 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18262?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 20 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Parallels RAS Client before 21.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-18262?** A patch was published on 2026-08-11: Fixed in version 21.2 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18262 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18262?** Check whether you run Parallels RAS Client at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

This vulnerability exists in the Parallels RAS Client RDP Backend Service and results from an exposed dangerous function that can be abused for privilege escalation. The flaw requires the attacker to first obtain local code execution with low privileges (local attack vector). By leveraging the exposed function, an attacker can escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the SYSTEM security context. The vulnerability was fixed in version 21.2 of Parallels RAS Client.

## Affected products

- Parallels RAS Client before 21.2

## Timeline

- 2026-02-25: disclosed
- 2026-08-11: advisory
- 2026-08-11: patched: Fixed in version 21.2

## References

- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-555/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-555/)

## Related threats

- [Parallels RAS Client privilege escalation in RDP Backend Service](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18263-parallels-ras-client-privilege-escalation-in-rdp-backend-service)
- [Parallels RAS Client privilege escalation in RDP Backend Service](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-13121-parallels-ras-client-privilege-escalation-in-rdp-backend-service)