CVE-2025-47363: Buffer Overflow Vulnerability Explained

CVE-2025-47363 Overview

CVE-2025-47363 is an Integer Overflow vulnerability that leads to memory corruption when calculating oversized partition sizes without proper checks. This vulnerability affects Qualcomm components and can be exploited through physical access to a vulnerable device, potentially allowing an attacker to achieve high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Critical Impact

Physical access exploitation could allow memory corruption leading to potential code execution or system compromise on affected Qualcomm-based devices.

Affected Products

• Qualcomm chipsets (specific models detailed in the Qualcomm Security Bulletin)
• Devices using affected Qualcomm firmware components

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-02 - CVE-2025-47363 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-47363

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from CWE-190: Integer Overflow or Wraparound. The issue occurs during partition size calculations where oversized values are processed without proper bounds checking. When an integer overflow occurs during these calculations, the resulting value wraps around, leading to an undersized memory allocation. Subsequent operations that use the original (large) size value can then write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, causing memory corruption.

The physical attack vector requirement means an attacker needs direct access to the device, which limits remote exploitation scenarios but remains critical for devices in physically accessible environments or supply chain attack scenarios.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper validation of partition size values before performing arithmetic operations. When calculating buffer sizes or memory allocations based on partition dimensions, the code fails to verify that the resulting computation doesn't exceed the maximum representable value for the integer type being used. This allows attackers to craft malicious partition data that triggers an integer wraparound, causing the allocated memory to be significantly smaller than expected.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires physical access to the target device. An attacker could potentially leverage specially crafted storage media, modified partition tables, or direct hardware manipulation to introduce oversized partition size values. When the vulnerable code processes these malicious values, the integer overflow occurs during size calculation, leading to:

1. Undersized memory allocation due to the wrapped value
2. Buffer overflow when data is written using the original (pre-overflow) size
3. Memory corruption enabling potential code execution or denial of service

The attack does not require any privileges or user interaction once physical access is obtained, making it particularly concerning for devices in shared or public environments.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47363

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected system crashes or reboots during storage operations
• Memory corruption artifacts or kernel panic logs referencing partition handling code
• Anomalous partition table entries with unusually large size values

Detection Strategies

• Monitor firmware and bootloader logs for partition-related errors or exceptions
• Implement integrity checking for storage media partition tables
• Deploy hardware security monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized physical access attempts
• Utilize endpoint detection capabilities to identify abnormal low-level storage operations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for storage subsystem and bootloader components
• Implement file integrity monitoring for critical system partitions
• Configure alerts for repeated boot failures or storage initialization errors
• Deploy physical security controls and tamper detection for sensitive devices

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47363

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply firmware updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers as they become available
• Implement physical security controls to restrict unauthorized device access
• Review device deployment in public or shared environments for additional risk exposure
• Monitor the Qualcomm Security Bulletin February 2026 for updated guidance

Patch Information

Qualcomm has addressed this vulnerability in their February 2026 Security Bulletin. Organizations should contact their device manufacturers for specific firmware updates that incorporate the Qualcomm patches. The security bulletin provides detailed information on affected chipsets and available remediation options.

Refer to the official Qualcomm Security Bulletin February 2026 for comprehensive patch details and affected component lists.

Workarounds

• Restrict physical access to devices using affected Qualcomm components
• Implement secure boot and verified boot chains where supported to detect tampered firmware
• Deploy hardware-based tamper detection mechanisms for critical infrastructure devices
• Consider network segmentation for devices that cannot be immediately patched

# Example: Enable secure boot verification (device-specific)
# Consult your device manufacturer for specific commands
# Verify bootloader lock status
fastboot oem device-info
# Ensure secure boot is enabled in device configuration