---
id: "CVE-2026-121397"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-121397"]
title: "FreeRDP: malicious RDP server can leak client memory through clipboard images"
severity: "medium"
cvss: 5.3
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "runtime"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["clipboard", "freerdp", "linux", "rdp", "runtime"]
not_affected_if: ["clipboard-redirection-disabled", "no-untrusted-rdp-servers"]
published_at: "2026-11-03T15:17:27+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-03T15:21:57+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-03T15:24:33+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121397", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-03T15:21:57+00:00"}]
---

# FreeRDP: malicious RDP server can leak client memory through clipboard images

FreeRDP before 3.32.2 has a heap buffer over-read in save_png_to_buffer() that a malicious RDP server can trigger by sending crafted 16 bpp DIB clipboard data. The leaked client heap bytes end up embedded in a PNG image visible to local applications.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the FreeRDP version installed on client machines, for example `xfreerdp --version`, and confirm whether it is below `3.32.2`.
- Identify whether clipboard redirection is enabled in client sessions to untrusted servers.

## Fix

- FreeRDP: upgrade to `3.32.2` or later.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-03T15:21:57+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121397

## Documents

- [advisory] Vendor advisory: github.com https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/security/advisories/GHSA-x7w3-32ch-x2jq
- [advisory] Third-party advisory: www.vulncheck.com https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/freerdp-before-3.32.2-heap-over-read-via-winpr-save-png-to-buffer

## From the sources

FreeRDP before 3.32.2 contains a heap buffer over-read vulnerability in save_png_to_buffer() that allows malicious RDP servers to leak client memory by sending 16 bpp DIB clipboard data. Attackers can offer a CF_DIB BI_BITFIELDS image that, when converted to PNG for a local application, embeds client heap bytes into the clipboard image.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_