CVE-2026-44421: FreeRDP RDPGFX CacheToSurface heap-buffer-overflow via clamped-rectangle validation bypass

Published May 29, 2026
·
Updated

FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Prior to 3.26.0, a malicious RDP server can trigger a heap-buffer-overflow write in the FreeRDP client by sending crafted RDPGFX PDUs. The bug is in gdiCacheToSurface: it validates a destination rectangle that is clamped to UINT16MAX, but then performs the copy using the original cacheEntry->width/height. This can cause a large out-of-bounds heap write and may lead to client crashes or code execution. This bug is reachable from a malicious RDP server, but only when the client has RDPGFX enabled. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.26.0.

Affected Software

2 affected components
FreeRDP freerdp<3.26.0
FreeRDP freerdp<3.26.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade FreeRDP to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.26.0

Event History

May 29, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:40 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:40 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·09:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-44421?

The severity of CVE-2026-44421 is rated as high with a score of 8.8.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-44421?

To fix CVE-2026-44421, upgrade to FreeRDP version 3.26.0 or later.

3

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-44421?

CVE-2026-44421 is a heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability in the FreeRDP client.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2026-44421?

Any user of FreeRDP versions prior to 3.26.0 who connects to a malicious RDP server is affected by CVE-2026-44421.

5

What can attackers do with CVE-2026-44421?

Attackers can exploit CVE-2026-44421 to execute arbitrary code on the FreeRDP client by sending crafted RDPGFX PDUs.

Contact

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