CVE-2022-50917: ProtonVPN 1.26.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its WireGuard service configuration that a

Routine

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2022-50917 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.

ProtonVPN 1.26.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its WireGuard service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executables in specific file system locations to gain elevated privileges during service startup.

Why this priority

High severity
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	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 86%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-428
Published	2026-01-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: proton

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-01-13 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

proton protonvpn DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.26.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.26.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.26.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison protonvpn sudo apt install protonvpn=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.26.0> sudo apt-mark hold protonvpn

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

dnf --showduplicates list protonvpn sudo dnf downgrade protonvpn-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.26.0> 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-2022-50917?

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

Is CVE-2022-50917 being exploited?

CVE-2022-50917 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-2022-50917 affect?

CVE-2022-50917 affects protonvpn. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). ProtonVPN 1.26.0 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in its WireGuard service configuration that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path by placing malicious executab

How urgent is CVE-2022-50917?

Priority 36/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

WireGuard vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-37391 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE ProtonVPN before 3.2.10 on Windows mishandles the drive installer path, which should use this: '"' + ExpandCon

References

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