CVE-2022-27502: RealVNC VNC Server 6.9.0 through 5.1.0 for Windows allows local privilege escalation because an installer repa

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HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2022-27502 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting vnc server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

RealVNC VNC Server 6.9.0 through 5.1.0 for Windows allows local privilege escalation because an installer repair operation executes %TEMP% files as SYSTEM.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 48%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2022-06-10
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: realvnc

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-06-10 13:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:37 UTCUpdated Record last modified

realvnc vnc server UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.1.0 and < 6.9.1

Fixed in: 6.9.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy vnc-server || rpm -q vnc-server || vnc-server --version

2. UPGRADE to 6.9.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade vnc-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade vnc-server

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison vnc-server sudo apt install vnc-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold vnc-server

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list vnc-server sudo dnf downgrade vnc-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add vnc-server

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-2022-27502?

vnc server: upgrade to 6.9.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-27502 being exploited?

CVE-2022-27502 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-2022-27502 affect?

CVE-2022-27502 affects vnc server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). RealVNC VNC Server 6.9.0 through 5.1.0 for Windows allows local privilege escalation because an installer repair operation executes %TEMP% files as SYSTEM.

How urgent is CVE-2022-27502?

Priority 40/100. High severity

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-41975 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE RealVNC VNC Server before 6.11.0 and VNC Viewer before 6.22.826 on Windows allow local privilege escalation vi

References

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