CVE-2025-47393: Kernel Driver Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2025-47393 Overview

CVE-2025-47393 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting Qualcomm kernel drivers. The vulnerability occurs when accessing resources in the kernel driver, which can lead to improper validation of array indexes (CWE-129). This flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges to potentially compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can exploit improper array index validation in the kernel driver to corrupt memory, potentially leading to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges.

Affected Products

• Qualcomm kernel driver components (specific products listed in Qualcomm Security Bulletin)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-07 - CVE CVE-2025-47393 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-47393

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper validation of array indexes (CWE-129) within a Qualcomm kernel driver. When the driver processes resource access requests, it fails to properly validate array index boundaries before using them to access memory locations. This allows an attacker with local access and low-level privileges to manipulate index values, causing the driver to read from or write to unintended memory locations.

The local attack vector requires the attacker to have some level of access to the target system, but the low attack complexity and lack of user interaction requirements make exploitation relatively straightforward once access is obtained. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of system confidentiality, integrity, and availability at the kernel level.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified as CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index. The kernel driver does not adequately verify that array index values fall within the expected bounds before using them to access memory resources. This allows out-of-bounds memory access when maliciously crafted index values are supplied to the driver.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the target system. An attacker must have low-privilege access to interact with the vulnerable kernel driver. The exploitation mechanism involves:

1. The attacker identifies the vulnerable kernel driver interface
2. Crafted requests with manipulated array index values are sent to the driver
3. The driver fails to validate these indexes properly
4. Memory corruption occurs when the invalid indexes cause out-of-bounds memory access
5. This corruption can be leveraged to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code in kernel context

The vulnerability does not require user interaction for exploitation, making it suitable for automated attack chains once initial system access is achieved.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47393

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected kernel crashes or system instability related to Qualcomm driver components
• Abnormal memory access patterns or kernel oops messages referencing the affected driver
• Privilege escalation attempts from low-privileged processes interacting with kernel drivers

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for kernel panic or oops messages associated with Qualcomm drivers
• Implement kernel-level integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized memory modifications
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring kernel driver interactions
• Use kernel address sanitizer (KASAN) in development/testing environments to detect out-of-bounds accesses

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced kernel logging to capture driver interaction anomalies
• Monitor for processes with unusual kernel driver access patterns
• Implement runtime kernel integrity verification where available
• Review audit logs for unexpected privilege escalation events following driver interactions

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47393

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Qualcomm Security Bulletin January 2026 for specific affected products and patch availability
• Apply vendor-supplied patches as soon as they become available for your specific device or platform
• Limit local access to affected systems to reduce the attack surface
• Monitor affected systems for signs of exploitation attempts until patches can be applied

Patch Information

Qualcomm has disclosed this vulnerability in their January 2026 Security Bulletin. Organizations should consult the Qualcomm Security Bulletin January 2026 for detailed patch information, affected chipsets, and firmware updates specific to their deployment.

Device manufacturers and OEMs should work with Qualcomm to obtain and integrate the necessary security patches into their firmware updates. End users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest available firmware versions that address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Restrict local access to systems with vulnerable Qualcomm kernel drivers
• Implement strict access controls to limit which users and processes can interact with kernel drivers
• Deploy application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code from executing on affected systems
• Consider network segmentation to isolate affected devices until patches are available