CVE-2025-10865 Overview
CVE-2025-10865 is a Use After Free vulnerability affecting GPU driver software. The vulnerability allows software installed and run as a non-privileged user to conduct improper GPU system calls, causing mismanagement of reference counting that leads to a potential use after free condition.
This vulnerability stems from improper reference counting on an internal GPU driver resource, creating a scenario where memory may be accessed after it has been freed. Use after free vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can lead to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or system instability.
Critical Impact
Non-privileged local users may exploit improper GPU system calls to trigger a use after free condition, potentially enabling code execution or privilege escalation within the GPU driver context.
Affected Products
- Imagination Technologies GPU Drivers (specific versions not disclosed)
Discovery Timeline
- January 13, 2026 - CVE CVE-2025-10865 published to NVD
- January 13, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-10865
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-416 (Use After Free), a memory corruption flaw that occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it references has been freed. In the context of CVE-2025-10865, the issue manifests within GPU driver system call handling, where reference counting mechanisms fail to properly track resource lifetimes.
When GPU system calls are executed by non-privileged user software, the driver's internal reference counting logic can be manipulated through specific call sequences. This causes the driver to prematurely free memory resources while references to those resources still exist. Subsequent operations that attempt to access the freed memory can result in use after free conditions.
The exploitation potential is significant because GPU drivers operate at a privileged level within the system. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to escalate privileges from a non-privileged user context to gain elevated access or execute arbitrary code within the kernel or driver context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper reference counting on internal GPU driver resources. The driver fails to correctly increment or decrement reference counts during specific GPU system call sequences, leading to premature deallocation of memory objects while they are still in use. This reference counting mismanagement creates a window where freed memory can be accessed.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2025-10865 involves a local attacker with non-privileged user access executing specially crafted GPU system calls. By manipulating the sequence and timing of these calls, an attacker can trigger the reference counting bug and cause the use after free condition.
The attack does not require network access and can be executed by any user with the ability to run software that interacts with the GPU driver. This includes:
- Executing a malicious application that makes crafted GPU system calls
- Manipulating the order of resource allocation and deallocation operations
- Exploiting the race condition or logic flaw in reference count management
- Gaining code execution or escalated privileges when freed memory is accessed
Technical details regarding specific exploitation techniques can be found in the Imagination Tech GPU Vulnerabilities advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-10865
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected GPU driver crashes or system instability indicating memory corruption
- Abnormal GPU system call patterns from non-privileged user processes
- Kernel panic or blue screen events related to GPU driver memory access violations
- Evidence of privilege escalation attempts from user-mode processes interacting with GPU drivers
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for unusual GPU driver error messages in system logs indicating memory access violations
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software from executing GPU-intensive operations
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring GPU driver interactions for anomalous behavior
- Review process execution logs for non-privileged users making excessive GPU system calls
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose GPU driver logging to capture detailed system call information
- Configure security monitoring tools to alert on GPU driver crash events
- Implement kernel-level monitoring for use after free exploitation patterns
- Establish baseline GPU driver behavior to identify deviations that may indicate exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-10865
Immediate Actions Required
- Review and apply the latest GPU driver updates from Imagination Technologies
- Restrict access to GPU resources for non-essential user accounts where possible
- Monitor systems for signs of exploitation attempts targeting GPU drivers
- Consider temporary isolation of systems with vulnerable GPU drivers from untrusted users
Patch Information
Patch information and updated driver versions are available from Imagination Technologies. Organizations should consult the Imagination Tech GPU Vulnerabilities page for the latest security updates and patching guidance.
Workarounds
- Limit GPU driver access to trusted applications through application control policies
- Implement principle of least privilege for user accounts that do not require GPU functionality
- Enable additional system logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts until patches are applied
- Consider disabling non-essential GPU features in environments where they are not required
# Example: Review GPU driver version and check for updates
# Commands may vary based on operating system and GPU vendor
# Check current GPU driver version (Linux example)
lspci -v | grep -A 10 "VGA"
modinfo <gpu_driver_module_name>
# Monitor GPU driver events in system logs
dmesg | grep -i gpu
journalctl -k | grep -i gpu
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
