CVE-2025-25177 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified as a Use-After-Free (CWE-416) in the Imagination Technologies Graphics Device Driver Kit (DDK), specifically version 24.1 RTM. The vulnerability arises when software running as a non-privileged user issues improper GPU system calls that trigger use-after-free conditions within the kernel. This type of flaw occurs when the system attempts to access memory that has already been freed, leading to undefined behavior. In this context, the improper GPU calls can cause kernel exceptions due to referencing freed memory, potentially leading to memory corruption. Although the vulnerability does not require user interaction or elevated privileges to exploit, it does require local access (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have the ability to execute code on the affected system as a non-privileged user. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.1, reflecting limited confidentiality and integrity impacts without availability impact. Exploitation could allow an attacker to cause minor information leakage or data corruption within the kernel's GPU handling routines but is unlikely to result in privilege escalation or system-wide denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been released at the time of publication. The vulnerability affects the Graphics DDK, which is used in systems employing Imagination Technologies GPUs, commonly found in embedded devices, mobile platforms, and some specialized computing environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-25177 depends largely on the deployment of Imagination Technologies GPUs and their associated Graphics DDK in their infrastructure. Organizations using embedded systems, IoT devices, or specialized hardware with these GPUs could face risks of kernel instability or minor data corruption if exploited. While the vulnerability does not directly enable privilege escalation or widespread denial of service, it could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack chain to undermine system integrity or facilitate further exploitation. Sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, industrial control systems, and consumer electronics manufacturers in Europe that integrate these GPUs into their products or infrastructure may be particularly affected. The limited attack vector (local, non-privileged user) reduces the risk for large-scale remote exploitation but does not eliminate insider threats or attacks via compromised local accounts. Given the absence of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate, but organizations should remain vigilant, especially those with critical embedded systems relying on this technology.

1. Monitor for and apply patches promptly once Imagination Technologies releases updates addressing CVE-2025-25177. 2. Restrict local user access to systems running the affected Graphics DDK to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by untrusted users. 3. Employ strict application whitelisting and sandboxing to prevent untrusted or malicious software from issuing unauthorized GPU system calls. 4. Implement kernel-level integrity monitoring to detect anomalous behavior or crashes related to GPU driver operations. 5. Conduct regular security audits of embedded and specialized hardware environments to identify the presence of vulnerable Imagination Technologies GPUs and assess exposure. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring GPU driver interactions and alerting on suspicious use-after-free or memory corruption events. 7. For organizations developing products with these GPUs, incorporate secure coding and rigorous testing around GPU system call handling to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in future releases.