CVE-2025-47397 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-401 (Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference), affecting a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms and associated products. The root cause is a memory corruption issue triggered during GPU memory mapping operations that utilize scatter-gather lists. Specifically, the vulnerability occurs because IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit) mapping errors are not properly checked or handled, leading to improper release of memory references and subsequent memory leaks or corruption. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker with local privileges (low complexity, no user interaction required) to manipulate GPU memory mappings, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service due to memory exhaustion or corruption. The affected product list is extensive, covering various Snapdragon mobile platforms (from Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and beyond), IoT platforms, wearable platforms, video collaboration platforms, and multiple Qualcomm wireless connectivity modules. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8 (high severity), reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with relatively low attack complexity and limited privileges required. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature and affected product breadth make it a critical concern for device manufacturers, mobile operators, and enterprises relying on Snapdragon-based hardware. The vulnerability was published in early 2026, and no patch links are currently provided, indicating that mitigation may depend on forthcoming vendor updates and interim risk management strategies.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-47397 is substantial due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon components in mobile devices, IoT infrastructure, wearable technology, and telecommunications equipment. Confidentiality risks include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data processed or stored on affected devices. Integrity could be compromised through arbitrary code execution or manipulation of GPU memory, enabling attackers to alter system behavior or inject malicious payloads. Availability is threatened by possible denial of service conditions caused by memory corruption or leaks, which could disrupt critical services, especially in sectors like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart city deployments. Enterprises relying on mobile workforce devices or IoT sensors with affected Snapdragon chips may face operational disruptions or data breaches. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the urgency for mitigation, as attackers may develop exploits once details become widely known. The vulnerability also poses risks to supply chain security, as compromised devices could be used as attack vectors within larger networks. Overall, the threat could undermine trust in Qualcomm-based hardware and impact compliance with European data protection regulations if exploited.

1. Monitor Qualcomm and device manufacturers for official security patches addressing CVE-2025-47397 and apply them promptly across all affected devices and platforms. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local privilege escalation opportunities, including enforcing least privilege principles and restricting access to GPU and IOMMU configuration interfaces. 3. Employ runtime memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) where supported on affected devices. 4. Conduct thorough security audits and code reviews focusing on GPU memory management and IOMMU interactions in custom or embedded software layers. 5. Deploy anomaly detection systems to monitor for unusual GPU memory mapping activities or signs of memory corruption on critical devices. 6. For IoT and embedded systems, isolate vulnerable devices on segmented networks to contain potential exploitation impact. 7. Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability specifics to enhance incident response readiness. 8. Collaborate with vendors to obtain interim firmware or software mitigations if patches are delayed. 9. Maintain updated inventories of devices with affected Snapdragon components to prioritize remediation efforts. 10. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting GPU memory corruption.