CVE-2025-21442 is a vulnerability identified in Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets that arises from an integer overflow condition leading to a buffer overflow during the processing of packet mapping information. Specifically, the flaw occurs when an invalid header payload size is transmitted, causing memory corruption. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-680 (Integer Overflow to Buffer Overflow), indicating that improper handling of integer arithmetic results in an allocation or indexing error that overwrites memory buffers. The affected Snapdragon models include a broad range of Qualcomm's modem and application processors, such as QAM8255P, SA9000P, and others, widely used in mobile devices, IoT devices, and embedded systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that exploitation requires local access with low complexity and low privileges, no user interaction, and results in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges to cause memory corruption that could lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the broad impact on critical hardware components makes this a significant threat. Qualcomm has not yet published patches, so mitigation currently relies on limiting local access and monitoring. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure input validation and memory management in hardware communication protocols.

The impact of CVE-2025-21442 is substantial for organizations relying on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in their devices. Exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges, compromise device confidentiality, integrity, and availability, or cause denial of service. This can affect mobile devices, IoT endpoints, and embedded systems, potentially disrupting critical communications and services. Given the widespread use of Snapdragon processors in smartphones, tablets, automotive systems, and industrial IoT, the vulnerability poses a risk to consumer privacy, enterprise security, and critical infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this flaw could pivot within networks, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations. The requirement for local access and low privileges lowers the barrier for exploitation in environments where attackers have some foothold, such as compromised apps or insider threats. The absence of user interaction simplifies exploitation scenarios. Overall, the vulnerability threatens a broad range of sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and government, especially where Snapdragon-based devices are integral.

1. Apply vendor patches immediately once Qualcomm releases updates addressing CVE-2025-21442. 2. Until patches are available, restrict local access to devices with affected Snapdragon chipsets by enforcing strict access controls and limiting physical and network access. 3. Implement enhanced input validation and filtering at the device or network level to detect and block malformed packets with invalid header payload sizes. 4. Monitor device logs and network traffic for anomalies indicative of memory corruption or exploitation attempts, focusing on packet mapping operations. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying suspicious local privilege escalations or memory corruption behaviors. 6. For organizations deploying IoT or embedded systems, segment networks to isolate vulnerable devices and reduce attack surface. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risk of local exploitation and the importance of device hygiene to prevent unauthorized access. 8. Collaborate with Qualcomm and device manufacturers for timely vulnerability intelligence and coordinated response. 9. Review and harden device firmware and software configurations to minimize exploitable attack vectors related to packet processing.