CVE-2025-47399: IOCTL Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2025-47399 Overview

CVE-2025-47399 is a memory corruption vulnerability that occurs while processing IOCTL calls to update sensor property settings. The vulnerability is triggered when invalid input parameters are passed to the IOCTL handler, leading to a classic buffer overflow condition (CWE-120). This flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges to potentially achieve code execution, data disclosure, or cause system instability.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can exploit this memory corruption vulnerability to potentially gain elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause denial of service on affected Qualcomm-based devices.

Affected Products

• Qualcomm chipset components (specific models listed in vendor advisory)
• Devices utilizing Qualcomm sensor driver subsystems
• Systems with vulnerable IOCTL interfaces for sensor property management

Discovery Timeline

• February 2, 2026 - CVE-2025-47399 published to NVD
• February 3, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-47399

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the IOCTL handler responsible for updating sensor property settings. When a user-space application sends an IOCTL request with malformed or invalid parameters, the driver fails to properly validate the input boundaries before copying data into kernel memory buffers. This insufficient bounds checking creates a buffer overflow condition that can corrupt adjacent memory regions.

The local attack vector means an attacker must have some level of access to the target system, though only low privileges are required. No user interaction is necessary to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where an attacker has already established initial access to a device.

Root Cause

The root cause is a buffer overflow (CWE-120) in the sensor property IOCTL handler. The code fails to validate the size and contents of input parameters before processing them. When the IOCTL call receives parameters that exceed expected boundaries or contain malicious data, the handler copies this data without proper length checks, resulting in memory corruption.

This type of vulnerability typically occurs when:

• Input buffer sizes are not validated against expected maximum values
• Memory copy operations use user-supplied length values without verification
• Boundary conditions are not properly checked before buffer operations

Attack Vector

The attack is carried out locally through the IOCTL interface. An attacker with local access and low privileges can craft a malicious IOCTL request with carefully constructed invalid parameters. The exploitation process involves:

1. Opening a handle to the vulnerable device driver
2. Crafting an IOCTL request with oversized or malformed parameters
3. Triggering the buffer overflow to corrupt kernel memory
4. Potentially achieving code execution or privilege escalation

The vulnerability requires local access but does not require user interaction, meaning automated exploitation is possible once initial access is achieved. For detailed technical information, refer to the Qualcomm February 2026 Security Bulletin.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47399

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected kernel crashes or system instability related to sensor drivers
• Anomalous IOCTL calls to sensor property interfaces with oversized parameters
• Memory corruption signatures in kernel logs or crash dumps
• Unusual process behavior following sensor driver interactions

Detection Strategies

• Monitor kernel logs for memory corruption errors associated with sensor subsystems
• Implement runtime integrity checking for kernel memory regions near sensor drivers
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect anomalous IOCTL call patterns
• Use kernel address sanitizers (KASAN) in development environments to detect buffer overflows

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for sensor driver IOCTL operations
• Implement system call auditing for interactions with sensor device files
• Monitor for privilege escalation attempts following sensor driver activity
• Review system crash reports for patterns indicating exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47399

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the security patches referenced in the Qualcomm February 2026 Security Bulletin
• Restrict access to sensor device files to only trusted applications
• Review and limit user permissions on affected systems
• Monitor for exploitation attempts while patches are being deployed

Patch Information

Qualcomm has addressed this vulnerability in their February 2026 security bulletin. Organizations should obtain patches through their device manufacturers or OEM partners, as Qualcomm distributes fixes through the standard chipset vendor update process. Review the Qualcomm February 2026 Security Bulletin for specific patch details and affected component information.

Workarounds

• Implement strict file permission controls on sensor device nodes
• Use SELinux or AppArmor policies to restrict IOCTL access to sensor drivers
• Limit local user accounts and enforce principle of least privilege
• Consider disabling non-essential sensor functionality until patches are applied

# Example: Restrict access to sensor device nodes (adjust paths as needed)
chmod 600 /dev/sensors/*
chown root:root /dev/sensors/*

# SELinux policy to restrict sensor IOCTL access (consult your security team)
# semanage fcontext -a -t device_t "/dev/sensors(/.*)?"
# restorecon -Rv /dev/sensors