CVE-2025-13952 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in the Imagination Technologies Graphics Device Driver Kit (DDK), specifically in the GPU shader compiler library. The vulnerability is triggered when a web page containing unusual or malicious GPU shader code is loaded from the Internet, causing the GPU compiler process to execute a code path that retains a pointer to a memory object that has already been freed. This results in a write use-after-free condition that can crash the compiler process. More critically, on certain platforms where the GPU compiler process operates with system-level privileges, this flaw could be exploited to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges on the affected device. The vulnerability affects version 25.1 RTM of the Graphics DDK. The shader compiler’s mishandling of memory pointers during shader code compilation is the root cause, allowing attackers to manipulate GPU shader code to trigger the vulnerability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the potential impact is significant due to the privileged context of the compiler process. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed in January 2026, with no patches currently available. The lack of a CVSS score requires an independent severity assessment based on the vulnerability’s characteristics and potential impact.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-13952 could be substantial, especially for those relying on devices or embedded systems using Imagination Technologies’ Graphics DDK, such as mobile devices, IoT devices, or specialized industrial equipment. Exploitation could lead to system crashes, denial of service, or more severe outcomes like privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution if the GPU compiler process runs with elevated privileges. This could compromise device integrity, confidentiality of data processed by the device, and availability of critical services. Sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, and government infrastructure that utilize embedded graphics hardware are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks or persistent footholds if exploited in devices connected to enterprise environments. The absence of known exploits provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the potential for future exploitation necessitates urgent attention.

Organizations should monitor Imagination Technologies’ advisories closely for official patches and apply them promptly once released. Until patches are available, it is critical to minimize the privileges of the GPU compiler process, ensuring it does not run with system-level rights. Network-level controls should be implemented to restrict access to untrusted web content that could deliver malicious shader code. Employing application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for processes handling shader compilation can reduce exploitation risk. Regularly updating device firmware and drivers to the latest versions can help mitigate related vulnerabilities. Security teams should also conduct thorough asset inventories to identify devices using the affected Graphics DDK version 25.1 RTM and prioritize them for remediation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual GPU compiler process crashes or anomalous behavior may provide early detection of exploitation attempts.