# CVE-2026-54538: neutrinolabs xrdp infinite loop denial of service

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-54538-neutrinolabs-xrdp-infinite-loop-denial-of-service  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-20. Updated: 2026-07-20  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-54538 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-07-20

xrdp is an open-source tool that allows users to remotely access Linux desktops using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). A flaw in how the software handles incoming connection requests allows an unauthenticated attacker to trigger an infinite loop, causing the server to consume 100% of its CPU resources. This can crash the remote desktop service for all users and potentially slow down or freeze the entire host system.

Technologies: [Neutrinolabs Xrdp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/xrdp). Vendors: [Neutrinolabs](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/neutrinolabs).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-54538 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-54538 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-54538?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 20 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Neutrinolabs Xrdp <= 0.10.6.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-54538?** A patch was published on 2026-07-06: Version 0.10.6.1 released Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-54538 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-54538?** Check whether you run Neutrinolabs Xrdp at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A vulnerability classified as CWE-835 (Loop with Unreachable Exit Condition) exists in xrdp versions 0.10.6 and prior. The root cause is a failure to validate the 'totalLength' field within the RDP protocol control header during packet reception. By sending a specially crafted packet, an unauthenticated remote attacker can prevent the internal data pointer from advancing. This bypasses deadlock prevention mechanisms for specific protocol data units, resulting in an infinite, CPU-bound loop. This leads to service unavailability and potential system-wide resource exhaustion. The issue is resolved in version 0.10.6.1.

## Affected products

- neutrinolabs xrdp <= 0.10.6

## Timeline

- 2026-07-02: advisory: GitHub Security Advisory published
- 2026-07-06: patched: Version 0.10.6.1 released
- 2026-07-20: disclosed: NVD publication date

## References

- [https://github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp/releases/tag/v0.10.6.1](https://github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp/releases/tag/v0.10.6.1)
- [https://github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp/security/advisories/GHSA-9j3q-9mvw-qv7j](https://github.com/neutrinolabs/xrdp/security/advisories/GHSA-9j3q-9mvw-qv7j)

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