CVE-2026-26986
Freerdp use-after-free
- Published25 Feb 2026
Description
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol. Prior to version 3.23.0, `rail_window_free` dereferences a freed `xfAppWindow` pointer during `HashTable_Free` cleanup because `xf_rail_window_common` calls `free(appWindow)` on title allocation failure without first removing the entry from the `railWindows` hash table, leaving a dangling pointer that is freed again on disconnect. Version 3.23.0 fixes the vulnerability.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:HAffected products
Remediation
References
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L1230-L1238
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L1297
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L1316-L1327
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L386-L394
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L395-L399
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/blob/5c7aae27d0417b42b4806c2a5c583ca39dd9ef1e/client/X11/xf_rail.c#L401-L404
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/commit/b4f0f0a18fe53aa8d47d062f91471f4e9c5e0d51
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/security/advisories/GHSA-crqx-g6x5-rx47
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-26986 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-26986 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.49%.
How severe is CVE-2026-26986?
CVE-2026-26986 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, rated high. EPSS estimates a 0.49% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2026-26986?
Affected products include Freerdp.
How do I fix CVE-2026-26986?
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-2026-26986 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. 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.