RustDesk Client: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
CVE-2026-30796 is a high-severity insufficiently protected credentials vulnerability in RustDesk Client from Rustdesk-client, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected RustDesk Client versions: 1.4.8 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of RustDesk Client you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on rustdesk.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rustdesk-client | RustDesk Client | 1.4.8 and earlier | Not stated |
| Rustdesk | Rustdesk Server | 1.7.5 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 6.9 | Medium | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerability in rustdesk-client RustDesk Client rustdesk-client on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android (Address book sync, Heartbeat sync loop modules) allows Sniffing Attacks. The client places the preset address-book password verbatim into the heartbeat sync JSON body (src/hbbs_http/sync.rs). Over an intact HTTPS session it is not exposed in transit, but it is a reusable shared secret rather than a zero-knowledge proof, so it is recovered by any party that becomes the API endpoint - under the re-homed/rogue API server (CVE-2026-30797) - and the leaked credential then authorizes the server-side address book. This vulnerability is associated with program files src/hbbs_http/sync.rs and program routines heartbeat sync body builder (emits preset-address-book-password). This issue affects RustDesk Client: through 1.4.8.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
The product transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method that is susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an appropriate security mechanism to protect the credentials.
- Make appropriate use of cryptography to protect the credentials.
- Use industry standards to protect the credentials (e.g. LDAP, keystore, etc.).
More Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-522)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- rustdesk.com/docs/en/Product
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSds6jjpd38oO_yIAyd1HYtKNUuea-I-ozAPpGhYI7QgAU-QGJ7D8a4rOZVj1vmiUXV1EcdRH…Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other references
- vulsec.org/Not Applicable
Other vulnerabilities in RustDesk Client
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.