CVE-2025-47398: CWE-416 Use After Free in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Memory Corruption while deallocating graphics processing unit memory buffers due to improper handling of memory pointers.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-47398 is a use-after-free vulnerability categorized under CWE-416, discovered in Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper management of graphics processing unit (GPU) memory buffers, specifically during the deallocation phase where memory pointers are mishandled. This leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges and does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit in compromised environments. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The affected products list is extensive, covering many Snapdragon mobile platforms (including Snapdragon 8 Gen series, Snapdragon 7 Gen series, and others), IoT platforms, wearable platforms, and various Qualcomm connectivity modules. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Snapdragon chipsets are embedded in a vast array of consumer and industrial devices globally. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the broad attack surface and potential impact make this a critical issue to address. The flaw could be leveraged in targeted attacks to gain control over devices or disrupt operations, especially in environments where these chipsets are integral to device functionality. Qualcomm has not yet published patches, so organizations must monitor for updates and prepare for rapid deployment. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is local with low complexity, requiring no user interaction, which increases the risk in environments where attackers have some foothold.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-47398 is significant due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in smartphones, IoT devices, and embedded systems critical to business operations. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers execute arbitrary code to access sensitive data. Integrity risks arise from potential unauthorized code execution or system manipulation, while availability could be disrupted through denial of service attacks exploiting memory corruption. Telecommunications providers, manufacturing industries using IoT devices, and sectors relying on mobile computing are particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited on employee devices, leading to broader organizational compromise. Additionally, critical infrastructure relying on embedded Qualcomm platforms may face operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity and ease of exploitation necessitate urgent attention. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage for European entities.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm’s official channels and security advisories for the release of patches addressing CVE-2025-47398 and apply them immediately upon availability. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local access to devices running affected Snapdragon platforms, reducing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized users. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of memory corruption or privilege escalation attempts. 4. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on devices incorporating affected chipsets, especially those used in critical environments. 5. For organizations deploying IoT and embedded devices with Snapdragon platforms, segment these devices on isolated networks to contain potential compromises. 6. Educate IT and security teams about the nature of use-after-free vulnerabilities and the specific risks posed by this issue to improve incident response readiness. 7. Where possible, disable or restrict GPU-intensive operations on vulnerable devices until patches are applied to reduce attack surface. 8. Collaborate with device manufacturers and vendors to ensure timely firmware updates and security patches are integrated into device management workflows.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Belgium
CVE-2025-47398: CWE-416 Use After Free in Qualcomm, Inc. Snapdragon
Description
Memory Corruption while deallocating graphics processing unit memory buffers due to improper handling of memory pointers.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-47398 is a use-after-free vulnerability categorized under CWE-416, discovered in Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper management of graphics processing unit (GPU) memory buffers, specifically during the deallocation phase where memory pointers are mishandled. This leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges and does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit in compromised environments. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The affected products list is extensive, covering many Snapdragon mobile platforms (including Snapdragon 8 Gen series, Snapdragon 7 Gen series, and others), IoT platforms, wearable platforms, and various Qualcomm connectivity modules. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Snapdragon chipsets are embedded in a vast array of consumer and industrial devices globally. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the broad attack surface and potential impact make this a critical issue to address. The flaw could be leveraged in targeted attacks to gain control over devices or disrupt operations, especially in environments where these chipsets are integral to device functionality. Qualcomm has not yet published patches, so organizations must monitor for updates and prepare for rapid deployment. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is local with low complexity, requiring no user interaction, which increases the risk in environments where attackers have some foothold.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-47398 is significant due to the widespread use of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets in smartphones, IoT devices, and embedded systems critical to business operations. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers execute arbitrary code to access sensitive data. Integrity risks arise from potential unauthorized code execution or system manipulation, while availability could be disrupted through denial of service attacks exploiting memory corruption. Telecommunications providers, manufacturing industries using IoT devices, and sectors relying on mobile computing are particularly vulnerable. The vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited on employee devices, leading to broader organizational compromise. Additionally, critical infrastructure relying on embedded Qualcomm platforms may face operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity and ease of exploitation necessitate urgent attention. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage for European entities.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Qualcomm’s official channels and security advisories for the release of patches addressing CVE-2025-47398 and apply them immediately upon availability. 2. Implement strict access controls to limit local access to devices running affected Snapdragon platforms, reducing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized users. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of memory corruption or privilege escalation attempts. 4. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on devices incorporating affected chipsets, especially those used in critical environments. 5. For organizations deploying IoT and embedded devices with Snapdragon platforms, segment these devices on isolated networks to contain potential compromises. 6. Educate IT and security teams about the nature of use-after-free vulnerabilities and the specific risks posed by this issue to improve incident response readiness. 7. Where possible, disable or restrict GPU-intensive operations on vulnerable devices until patches are applied to reduce attack surface. 8. Collaborate with device manufacturers and vendors to ensure timely firmware updates and security patches are integrated into device management workflows.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- qualcomm
- Date Reserved
- 2025-05-06T08:33:16.276Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6980c319f9fa50a62f48b5f0
Added to database: 2/2/2026, 3:30:33 PM
Last enriched: 2/2/2026, 3:44:58 PM
Last updated: 2/2/2026, 5:19:24 PM
Views: 5
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