CVE-2026-25997
Freerdp use-after-free
- Published25 Feb 2026
Description
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Prior to version 3.23.0, `xf_clipboard_format_equal` reads freed `lastSentFormats` memory because `xf_clipboard_formats_free` (called from the cliprdr channel thread during auto-reconnect) frees the array while the X11 event thread concurrently iterates it in `xf_clipboard_changed`, triggering a heap use after free. Version 3.23.0 fixes the issue.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HAffected products
Remediation
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L1884
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L1889
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L265
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L616
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L831
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L851-L855
References
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L1884
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L1889
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L265
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L616
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L831
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L851-L855
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_cliprdr.c#L868-L875
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/commit/58409406afe7c2a8a71ed2dc8e22075be4f41c0c
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/security/advisories/GHSA-q5j3-m6jf-3jq4
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-25997 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-25997 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.90%.
How severe is CVE-2026-25997?
CVE-2026-25997 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.90% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2026-25997?
Affected products include Freerdp.
How do I fix CVE-2026-25997?
Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Freerdp 3.23.0 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-25997 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.