CVE-2025-27037 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and related components. The flaw arises from improper memory management in the camera kernel driver when processing the config_dev IOCTL command, specifically when the driver drops its reference to CPU buffers. This leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The vulnerability impacts numerous Snapdragon chipsets and modules, including FastConnect series, Snapdragon 865/870/8 Gen 1 mobile platforms, modem-RF systems, and wireless connectivity components (WCN and WSA series). The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with relatively low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Exploitation requires local access and low privileges, but no user interaction, making it a significant risk especially on devices where untrusted applications or processes can access the vulnerable driver interface. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that affected devices remain vulnerable. The vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code in kernel context, or crash the device, severely compromising device security and stability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk particularly for enterprises relying on mobile devices, IoT devices, or embedded systems powered by affected Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical mobile communications, and potential compromise of enterprise mobile endpoints. Given the widespread use of Snapdragon platforms in smartphones, tablets, and connected devices, this vulnerability could impact employees' devices, corporate IoT deployments, and mobile infrastructure. The ability to execute code at the kernel level could facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks or enable persistent footholds. Additionally, disruption of device availability could affect operational continuity. The lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk of stealthy exploitation by malicious insiders or malware already present on devices. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, which rely heavily on secure mobile communications and device integrity, are particularly at risk.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigations: 1) Monitor Qualcomm and device vendors for official patches and apply them promptly once available. 2) Restrict local access to vulnerable devices by enforcing strict endpoint security policies, including limiting installation of untrusted applications and enforcing least privilege principles. 3) Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control device configurations and monitor for suspicious activity related to kernel driver access. 4) Use runtime protection technologies that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting kernel memory corruption. 5) For critical deployments, consider network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices and reduce attack surface. 6) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted software and the importance of device updates. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on mobile and embedded device security to identify potential exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local access, monitoring kernel-level activity, and preparing for patch deployment.