Description
FreeRDP from 3.0.0 before 3.32.0 contains an incorrect permission assignment vulnerability that allows local users to read private keys written by crypto_write_pem without owner-only permissions. Attackers on multi-user Unix hosts can enumerate the shared temporary directory during soft-smartcard logon to read the world-readable PKINIT private-key copy.
Published: 2026-10-12
Score: 4.1 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Unauthorized Sensitive Data Disclosure
Action: Immediate Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

FreeRDP versions 3.0.0 through 3.31.x incorrectly grant world‑readable permissions to the temporary private‑key file created during a soft‑smartcard logon. This weakness, identified as CWE‑378, permits any local user on a multi‑user Unix host to read private keys that should be accessible only to the owning process or user. The consequence is the exfiltration of PKINIT private keys, which undermines the confidentiality of all credentials stored or transmitted using that key.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects the FreeRDP project, specifically all releases from 3.0.0 up to and including 3.31.x. Users running these versions on Unix‑like operating systems are at risk.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score is 4.1, indicating a moderate threat potential. The EPSS score is < 1%, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA's KEV catalog, suggesting limited known exploitation. Attackers would need local access on a multi‑user host and would exploit the soft‑smartcard feature’s temporary directory. Because the flaw relies on local privilege, it does not enable remote code execution but allows data compromise of sensitive key material.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 17, 2026 at 08:44 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Update FreeRDP to version 3.32.0 or later, which corrects the permission handling for the soft‑smartcard private‑key file.
  • Reconfigure the temporary directory used by soft‑smartcard logon to enforce ownership and 0700 permissions, ensuring that only the initiating user can read the key files.
  • If immediate upgrade or permission changes are not possible, disable the soft‑smartcard logon feature or remove the soft‑smartcard plugin until a patch is applied.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 17, 2026 at 08:44 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-378
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

threat_severity

Moderate


Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description FreeRDP from 3.0.0 before 3.32.0 contains an incorrect permission assignment vulnerability that allows local users to read private keys written by crypto_write_pem without owner-only permissions. Attackers on multi-user Unix hosts can enumerate the shared temporary directory during soft-smartcard logon to read the world-readable PKINIT private-key copy.
Title FreeRDP 3.0.0 before 3.32.0 Insecure Permissions on Soft-Smartcard Private Key File
First Time appeared Freerdp
Freerdp freerdp
Weaknesses CWE-732
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:freerdp:freerdp:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Freerdp
Freerdp freerdp
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 4.4, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

cvssV4_0

{'score': 4.1, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N'}


cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: VulnCheck

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-13T15:26:52.456Z

Reserved: 2026-10-12T14:07:56.520Z

Link: CVE-2026-109243

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-10-13T15:26:41.954Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-10-12T17:17:15.180

Modified: 2026-11-02T20:46:17.417

Link: CVE-2026-109243

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-10-12T16:04:18Z

Links: CVE-2026-109243 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-17T08:45:05Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-378

    Creation of Temporary File With Insecure Permissions

  • CWE-732

    Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource