xrdp: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-44178 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in xrdp from Neutrinolabs, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected xrdp versions: < 0.10.6.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.88% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of xrdp you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrinolabs | xrdp | < 0.10.6.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
xrdp is an open source RDP server. Versions 0.10.6 and prior contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability within the virtual channel forwarding mechanism. When forwarding data from a remote client to the internal channel server, the xrdp process utilizes a fixed-size buffer without adequate bounds checking on the incoming payload. An authenticated remote attacker can exploit this flaw by sending a specially crafted virtual channel message that exceeds the buffer capacity, leading to heap memory corruption. This may result in a denial of service or the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the xrdp process. This issue has been fixed in version 0.10.6.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the heap.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Pre-design: Use a language or compiler that performs automatic bounds checking.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp/releases/tag/v0.10.6.1Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in xrdp
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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