CVE-2023-40186
CWE-190Published: August 31, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), released under the Apache license. Affected versions are subject to an IntegerOverflow leading to Out-Of-Bound Write Vulnerability in the `gdi_CreateSurface` function. This issue affects FreeRDP based clients only. FreeRDP proxies are not affected as image decoding is not done by a proxy. This issue has been addressed in versions 2.11.0 and 3.0.0-beta3. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this issue.
Risk Analysis
An integer overflow in FreeRDP leads to an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting client-side image creation. Rated as critical with a 9.8 CVSS score, this flaw is remotely exploitable.
No public exploit is known, and it is not in the CISA KEV. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Upgrade to FreeRDP version 2.11.0 or 3.0.0-beta3 to address the integer overflow.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-40186 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (15)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-190)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-40186 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts