CVE-2026-121400
FreeRDP before 3.32.2 contains a denial-of-service vulnerability in rdg_process_control_packet that allows a malicious RD Gateway to exhaust client CPU by sending an incomplete keepalive control packet. Attackers completing the RDG tunnel-open exchange then send an eight-byte header with packetLength 0xFFFF and withhold the body, causing an unbounded no-progress read loop that spins one client thread at full CPU.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: FreeRDP before 3.32.2 contains a denial-of-service vulnerability in rdg_process_control_packet that allows a malicious RD Gateway to exhaust client CPU by sending an incomplete keepalive control packet. Attackers completing the RDG tunnel-open exchange then send an eight-byte header with packetLength 0xFFFF and withhold the body, causing an unbounded no-progress read loop that spins one client thread at full CPU. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-835Affected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| freerdp | freerdp | before 3.32.2 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/security/advisories/GHSA-x4x6-2hrm-hvq9 ADVISORY disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/freerdp-before-3.32.2-cpu-exhaustion-via-rdg-control-packet ADVISORY disclosure@vulncheck.com