Introduction
Memory corruption vulnerabilities in firmware represent a critical threat vector, especially when they affect widely deployed components like Qualcomm's video firmware. CVE-2025-27043, a recently disclosed flaw, underscores the risks associated with improper buffer handling in multimedia processing, potentially impacting millions of devices worldwide.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-27043 arises from a buffer copy operation within Qualcomm's video firmware that does not adequately validate the size of incoming payloads. This oversight allows attackers to craft manipulated video payloads that overflow allocated memory buffers, corrupting adjacent memory regions. Such memory corruption can overwrite critical execution pointers or data structures, enabling arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or data leakage.
Exploitation Vectors
- Local Exploitation: Malicious applications with standard user permissions can exploit this vulnerability by submitting malformed video data to the firmware, potentially escalating privileges to kernel-level access.
- Remote Exploitation: Attackers could exploit this vulnerability remotely by delivering manipulated video payloads through compromised media files, streaming services, or browser-based codecs, requiring no authentication.
Consequences
Successful exploitation can lead to severe outcomes, including:
- Arbitrary code execution
- Privilege escalation
- Denial of service (system crashes)
- Potential data leakage
Patch Information
In the July 2025 security bulletin, Qualcomm addressed several critical vulnerabilities affecting their products. One notable fix pertains to a memory corruption issue in the Adreno GPU drivers, which could be exploited during graphics rendering in Chrome. The patch involves updating the GPU driver to properly handle memory allocation and deallocation, thereby preventing unauthorized command execution. Users are advised to apply the latest firmware updates provided by Qualcomm to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
Patch Source: Qualcomm July 2025 Security Bulletin
Affected Systems and Versions
- Qualcomm video firmware components across mobile, automotive, and IoT devices.
- Specific affected versions are detailed in Qualcomm's July 2025 security bulletin.
Vendor Security History
Qualcomm has previously encountered similar firmware vulnerabilities, such as:
- CVE-2025-21479/21480: GPU driver exploits with delayed OEM patch deployment.
- CVE-2024-43047: Use-after-free vulnerability in DSP firmware.
- CVE-2023-33106: Memory corruption in audio DSP firmware.
While Qualcomm demonstrates a mature security response process, delays in OEM integration have historically extended vulnerability exposure periods.
References
Security teams should prioritize immediate firmware updates and implement recommended mitigation strategies to protect against potential exploitation of CVE-2025-27043.
Source: This report was created using AI
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