CVE-2025-1706 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) found in the Imagination Technologies Graphics Device Driver Kit (DDK), specifically version 24.1 RTM. This vulnerability arises when software running as a non-privileged user performs improper GPU system calls that trigger use-after-free conditions within the kernel. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to undefined behavior including system crashes or arbitrary code execution. In this case, the improper GPU system calls cause kernel exceptions, impacting the stability and availability of the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) reveals that the attack can be launched remotely over the network without any privileges or user interaction, and while it does not impact confidentiality or integrity, it results in a significant impact on availability by causing kernel exceptions. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability affects the Graphics DDK, which is used to interface with Imagination Technologies GPUs, commonly embedded in various devices including mobile, automotive, and embedded systems. The improper handling of GPU system calls by non-privileged software suggests that attackers could cause denial of service conditions or potentially escalate attacks by destabilizing the kernel environment.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-1706 lies in potential denial of service (DoS) conditions on systems utilizing Imagination Technologies GPUs with the affected Graphics DDK version. This could disrupt critical services, especially in sectors relying on embedded or mobile devices such as telecommunications, automotive, industrial control systems, and consumer electronics. The vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity but can cause system crashes or kernel panics, leading to downtime and operational disruption. Organizations with infrastructure or products dependent on these GPUs may face increased risk of service interruptions. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without privileges or user interaction raises concerns for cloud providers or multi-tenant environments where untrusted users might trigger kernel exceptions remotely. While no active exploits are known, the potential for widespread impact exists if attackers develop reliable exploitation techniques. European industries with high reliance on embedded GPU technology, such as automotive manufacturers in Germany or telecommunications providers in France and the UK, could be particularly affected if their devices run the vulnerable DDK version.

Given the absence of an official patch, organizations should immediately audit their environments to identify systems running Imagination Technologies Graphics DDK version 24.1 RTM. Mitigation steps include: 1) Restricting access to GPU interfaces to trusted and verified software only, employing application whitelisting or sandboxing to prevent untrusted code from issuing GPU system calls. 2) Implementing kernel-level protections such as Control Flow Integrity (CFI) and Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) to reduce the risk of exploitation. 3) Monitoring system logs and kernel exception reports for signs of use-after-free triggered crashes to detect potential exploitation attempts. 4) Coordinating with Imagination Technologies for timely patch releases and applying updates as soon as they become available. 5) For critical environments, consider isolating vulnerable devices or disabling GPU features if feasible until a patch is deployed. 6) Employ network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks or users. These targeted steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling GPU system call access and proactive monitoring for kernel exceptions.