T1021.005: T1021.005
Essential information
- MITRE technique ID
T1021.005- Confidence
- 100/100
- Revoked
- No
- Published
- 16/12/2025 19:37
- Modified
- 27/04/2026 16:36
- Author / Source
- The MITRE Corporation
Aliases
VNC
Platforms
windows macos linux
Description
Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to remotely control machines using Virtual Network Computing (VNC). VNC is a platform-independent desktop sharing system that uses the RFB (“remote framebuffer”) protocol to enable users to remotely control another computer’s display by relaying the screen, mouse, and keyboard inputs over the network.(Citation: The Remote Framebuffer Protocol)
VNC differs from [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) as VNC is screen-sharing software rather than resource-sharing software. By default, VNC uses the system's authentication, but it can be configured to use credentials specific to VNC.(Citation: MacOS VNC software for Remote Desktop)(Citation: VNC Authentication)
Adversaries may abuse VNC to perform malicious actions as the logged-on user such as opening documents, downloading files, and running arbitrary commands. An adversary could use VNC to remotely control and monitor a system to collect data and information to pivot to other systems within the network. Specific VNC libraries/implementations have also been susceptible to brute force attacks and memory usage exploitation.(Citation: Hijacking VNC)(Citation: macOS root VNC login without authentication)(Citation: VNC Vulnerabilities)(Citation: Offensive Security VNC Authentication Check)(Citation: Attacking VNC Servers PentestLab)(Citation: Havana authentication bug)
Kill chain phases
| Kill chain | Phase |
|---|---|
| mitre-attack | lateral-movement |
Marking (TLP)
TLP:CLEAR Copyright 2015-2025, The MITRE Corporation. MITRE ATT&CK and ATT&CK are registered trademarks of The MITRE Corporation.
External references
- Gnome Remote Desktop gschema
- Hijacking VNC
- VNC Vulnerabilities
- Havana authentication bug
- Attacking VNC Servers PentestLab
- macOS root VNC login without authentication
- mitre-attack (T1021.005)
- VNC Authentication
- Gnome Remote Desktop grd-settings
- MacOS VNC software for Remote Desktop
- The Remote Framebuffer Protocol
- Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing
- Offensive Security VNC Authentication Check