CVE-2025-27063: CWE-416 Use After Free in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Memory corruption during video playback when video session open fails with time out error.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-27063 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 that affects a broad spectrum of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and related wireless connectivity and multimedia components. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management during video playback sessions, specifically when the video session open operation fails due to a timeout error. This failure leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker with limited privileges (local access) to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service by crashing the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing its exploitation potential in environments where an attacker can trigger video playback operations. The affected products include numerous Snapdragon mobile platforms (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to Snapdragon 888+), FastConnect wireless subsystems, AR/VR platforms, robotics platforms, and various Qualcomm modem and audio components. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the extensive list of affected devices and platforms—many of which are embedded in consumer electronics, industrial devices, and critical infrastructure—makes this vulnerability a significant concern. The vulnerability was published on December 18, 2025, with no patches currently linked, indicating that mitigation and remediation efforts should be prioritized as soon as updates become available.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27063 is substantial due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms in smartphones, IoT devices, industrial equipment, and embedded systems. Confidentiality risks include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data processed or stored on affected devices. Integrity can be compromised by arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to manipulate device behavior or firmware. Availability is at risk through denial of service caused by memory corruption crashes. Critical sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation that rely on Snapdragon-based devices or embedded modules could face operational disruptions or data breaches. The vulnerability's local attack vector implies that attackers need some level of access to the device, but no user interaction is required, which could facilitate automated exploitation in compromised environments. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk, but the high severity and broad device footprint necessitate proactive defense. European enterprises deploying Snapdragon-powered devices in sensitive roles must assess their exposure and prepare for incident response and patch management. The potential for supply chain impacts is also notable, as many European manufacturers integrate Qualcomm components into their products.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm and device vendors for official patches addressing CVE-2025-27063 and apply them promptly across all affected devices and platforms. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local access to devices running vulnerable Snapdragon components, reducing the attack surface. 3. Employ runtime protections such as memory protection mechanisms (e.g., DEP, ASLR) and sandboxing where possible to mitigate exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. 4. Conduct thorough inventory and asset management to identify all devices using affected Qualcomm platforms within the organization. 5. For critical infrastructure, consider network segmentation and isolation of vulnerable devices to contain potential exploitation impact. 6. Enhance monitoring and anomaly detection for unusual video playback operations or crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Collaborate with suppliers and OEMs to ensure timely firmware and software updates are integrated into device management workflows. 8. Educate security teams about the vulnerability specifics to improve incident detection and response readiness. 9. Where patching is delayed, consider temporary mitigations such as disabling video playback features or restricting related services if feasible. 10. Participate in information sharing with industry groups and CERTs to stay informed on emerging exploits and mitigation strategies.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Belgium
CVE-2025-27063: CWE-416 Use After Free in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Description
Memory corruption during video playback when video session open fails with time out error.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-27063 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 that affects a broad spectrum of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and related wireless connectivity and multimedia components. The vulnerability arises from improper memory management during video playback sessions, specifically when the video session open operation fails due to a timeout error. This failure leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker with limited privileges (local access) to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service by crashing the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing its exploitation potential in environments where an attacker can trigger video playback operations. The affected products include numerous Snapdragon mobile platforms (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to Snapdragon 888+), FastConnect wireless subsystems, AR/VR platforms, robotics platforms, and various Qualcomm modem and audio components. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the extensive list of affected devices and platforms—many of which are embedded in consumer electronics, industrial devices, and critical infrastructure—makes this vulnerability a significant concern. The vulnerability was published on December 18, 2025, with no patches currently linked, indicating that mitigation and remediation efforts should be prioritized as soon as updates become available.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27063 is substantial due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms in smartphones, IoT devices, industrial equipment, and embedded systems. Confidentiality risks include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data processed or stored on affected devices. Integrity can be compromised by arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to manipulate device behavior or firmware. Availability is at risk through denial of service caused by memory corruption crashes. Critical sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation that rely on Snapdragon-based devices or embedded modules could face operational disruptions or data breaches. The vulnerability's local attack vector implies that attackers need some level of access to the device, but no user interaction is required, which could facilitate automated exploitation in compromised environments. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk, but the high severity and broad device footprint necessitate proactive defense. European enterprises deploying Snapdragon-powered devices in sensitive roles must assess their exposure and prepare for incident response and patch management. The potential for supply chain impacts is also notable, as many European manufacturers integrate Qualcomm components into their products.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm and device vendors for official patches addressing CVE-2025-27063 and apply them promptly across all affected devices and platforms. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local access to devices running vulnerable Snapdragon components, reducing the attack surface. 3. Employ runtime protections such as memory protection mechanisms (e.g., DEP, ASLR) and sandboxing where possible to mitigate exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. 4. Conduct thorough inventory and asset management to identify all devices using affected Qualcomm platforms within the organization. 5. For critical infrastructure, consider network segmentation and isolation of vulnerable devices to contain potential exploitation impact. 6. Enhance monitoring and anomaly detection for unusual video playback operations or crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Collaborate with suppliers and OEMs to ensure timely firmware and software updates are integrated into device management workflows. 8. Educate security teams about the vulnerability specifics to improve incident detection and response readiness. 9. Where patching is delayed, consider temporary mitigations such as disabling video playback features or restricting related services if feasible. 10. Participate in information sharing with industry groups and CERTs to stay informed on emerging exploits and mitigation strategies.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- qualcomm
- Date Reserved
- 2025-02-18T09:19:46.887Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6943963858cc240f07ac2f25
Added to database: 12/18/2025, 5:50:48 AM
Last enriched: 12/25/2025, 7:04:12 AM
Last updated: 2/7/2026, 4:02:24 AM
Views: 54
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