CVE-2025-47396 is a double free vulnerability classified under CWE-415, identified in various Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and associated components including FastConnect modules, Snapdragon mobile and wearable platforms, and Qualcomm Video Collaboration platforms. The vulnerability arises when a secure application is launched on a device experiencing insufficient memory conditions, leading to improper memory deallocation (double free). This memory corruption can be exploited by a local attacker with limited privileges to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service by crashing the system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Affected products span a wide range of Qualcomm hardware widely deployed in smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices, which are integral to many enterprise and consumer environments. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and limited privileges required. No patches are currently linked, and no exploits have been observed in the wild, but the potential for exploitation remains significant due to the broad deployment of affected platforms. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in January 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-47396 is substantial given the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices in mobile communications, enterprise IoT, and wearable technology. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, and compromise of device integrity. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, where secure mobile and IoT devices are essential. The vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass security controls, execute malicious code, or cause denial of service, potentially affecting business continuity and data protection compliance under regulations like GDPR. The local attack vector means insider threats or malware with local access could leverage this flaw. Additionally, the diversity of affected hardware increases the attack surface, complicating detection and response efforts. The absence of known exploits provides a window for mitigation but also underscores the need for vigilance.

Organizations should prioritize the following mitigation strategies: 1) Monitor Qualcomm and device vendors for official patches and apply them promptly once available. 2) Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict installation of untrusted applications to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 3) Employ runtime memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) where supported by the device OS. 4) Conduct regular security audits and memory usage monitoring on devices to detect abnormal behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) For enterprise IoT deployments, segment networks to isolate vulnerable devices and limit lateral movement. 6) Engage with device manufacturers to understand patch timelines and support status for affected hardware. 7) Educate users and administrators about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and enforce policies to minimize exposure. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on local privilege restriction, memory protection, and network segmentation tailored to the affected Qualcomm platforms.