CVE-2018-4010: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of ProtonVPN VPN client 1.5.1

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2018-4010 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting protonvpn. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of ProtonVPN VPN client 1.5.1. A specially crafted configuration file can cause a privilege escalation, resulting in the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the system's privileges.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	5.0% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78
Published	2018-09-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: protonvpn

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-09-07 15:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

protonvpn protonvpn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy protonvpn || rpm -q protonvpn || protonvpn --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison protonvpn sudo apt install protonvpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.1> sudo apt-mark hold protonvpn

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list protonvpn sudo dnf downgrade protonvpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.1> sudo dnf versionlock add protonvpn

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2018-4010?

protonvpn: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-4010 being exploited?

CVE-2018-4010 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2018-4010 affect?

CVE-2018-4010 affects protonvpn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the connect functionality of ProtonVPN VPN client 1.5.1. A specially crafted configuration file can cause a privilege escalation, resulting in the ability to execute arbitrary commands w

How urgent is CVE-2018-4010?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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