---
id: "CVE-2026-121954"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-121954"]
title: "FreeRDP: malicious RDP server can corrupt client memory and crash it"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.1
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "runtime"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["freerdp", "linux", "rdp", "remote-desktop", "runtime", "windows"]
not_affected_if: ["fixed-version", "trusted-servers-only"]
published_at: "2026-11-04T16:17:47+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-04T16:28:11+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-04T16:28:54+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121954", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-04T16:28:11+00:00"}]
---

# FreeRDP: malicious RDP server can corrupt client memory and crash it

FreeRDP before 3.32.2 commits new image dimensions in its planar codec before buffer reallocation succeeds, so a failed reset leaves a heap out-of-bounds write reachable. A malicious RDP server can send an oversized ResetGraphics message followed by a GFX PLANAR command to corrupt client heap memory and crash the client.

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

## How to check

- Check the FreeRDP version the client uses: `xfreerdp --version` or the version in the packaged library.
- Look for any build or package using FreeRDP below `3.32.2`.
- Note whether the client connects to RDP servers you do not control.

## Fix

- FreeRDP: move to `3.32.2` or later.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-04T16:28:11+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121954

## Documents

- [advisory] Vendor advisory: github.com https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/security/advisories/GHSA-fg78-v8j5-8697
- [advisory] Third-party advisory: www.vulncheck.com https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/freerdp-before-3.32.2-heap-out-of-bounds-write-in-planar-codec

## From the sources

FreeRDP before 3.32.2 has a heap out-of-bounds write in the planar codec because freerdp_bitmap_planar_context_reset commits new dimensions before buffer reallocation succeeds, and a failed ResetGraphics is only logged. A malicious RDP server can send an oversized ResetGraphics PDU, then a GFX PLANAR command, to corrupt client heap memory and crash the client.

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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_