CVE-2025-47398: GPU Memory Use-After-Free Vulnerability

CVE-2025-47398 Overview

CVE-2025-47398 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability affecting Qualcomm graphics processing unit (GPU) memory buffer handling. The vulnerability occurs during the deallocation of GPU memory buffers due to improper handling of memory pointers, which can lead to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability allows attackers with local access to potentially execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause system instability.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this Use After Free vulnerability could allow a local attacker with low privileges to achieve code execution with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Affected Products

• Qualcomm GPU drivers and chipsets (refer to the February 2026 Security Bulletin for specific affected products)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-02 - CVE-2025-47398 published to NVD
• 2026-02-03 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-47398

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as a Use After Free (CWE-416) memory corruption issue. Use After Free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it references has been freed. In this case, the flaw exists within the GPU driver's memory buffer deallocation routines. When GPU memory buffers are deallocated, the driver fails to properly invalidate or null out memory pointers, leaving dangling references that can subsequently be dereferenced.

An attacker with local access and low privileges could potentially exploit this vulnerability to corrupt memory, hijack program execution flow, or escalate privileges to gain higher-level access to the system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running vulnerable Qualcomm GPU drivers.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-47398 lies in improper memory pointer handling during GPU buffer deallocation operations. When memory buffers are freed, the associated pointers are not properly invalidated, resulting in dangling pointers. Subsequent operations that reference these stale pointers can lead to Use After Free conditions, enabling attackers to manipulate memory contents or redirect code execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring an attacker to have local access to the target system. The attack complexity is low, meaning exploitation does not require specialized conditions or significant preparation. An attacker with low-level privileges and no user interaction can potentially trigger the vulnerability by manipulating GPU memory operations to cause the dangling pointer to be dereferenced after the buffer has been freed.

The exploitation mechanism involves triggering the deallocation of GPU memory buffers, then causing the system to access the freed memory through the uncleared pointer. By controlling the contents of the freed memory region (through techniques such as heap spraying), an attacker could potentially achieve code execution or privilege escalation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47398

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected GPU driver crashes or system instability related to graphics operations
• Anomalous memory access patterns in GPU driver processes
• Signs of privilege escalation attempts from low-privileged processes interacting with GPU subsystems
• Kernel panic or blue screen events linked to GPU memory operations

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system logs for GPU driver errors, particularly those related to memory allocation and deallocation failures
• Implement memory integrity monitoring to detect Use After Free exploitation attempts
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting memory corruption exploitation patterns
• Enable kernel-level auditing for GPU driver operations and memory management calls

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline monitoring for GPU driver behavior and alert on deviations
• Configure security information and event management (SIEM) systems to correlate GPU-related crashes with potential exploitation attempts
• Regularly audit system processes for suspicious interactions with GPU driver components
• Monitor for unusual privilege escalation events that may follow GPU memory operations

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47398

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Qualcomm February 2026 Security Bulletin for specific affected products and patches
• Apply vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available
• Restrict local system access to trusted users until patches are deployed
• Monitor affected systems for signs of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Qualcomm has addressed this vulnerability in their February 2026 Security Bulletin. Organizations using affected Qualcomm GPU products should consult the Qualcomm February 2026 Security Bulletin for detailed patch information and apply the appropriate firmware or driver updates. For mobile devices, users should install the latest security updates from their device manufacturer when available.

Workarounds

• Limit local access to systems with vulnerable GPU drivers to reduce exposure
• Implement application sandboxing to isolate potentially vulnerable GPU operations
• Apply the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of potential exploitation
• Consider disabling non-essential GPU features until patches can be applied, if operationally feasible