Introduction
A critical vulnerability has emerged in Qualcomm's Windows WLAN Host driver, identified as CVE-2025-27051. This double-free flaw can lead to severe memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code. Qualcomm, a major player in wireless technology, has promptly addressed the issue in their July 2025 Security Bulletin, underscoring the importance of immediate patching.
Technical Information
CVE-2025-27051 is categorized as a double-free vulnerability (CWE-415), a type of memory management flaw where the same memory address is freed twice. In Qualcomm's Windows WLAN Host driver, this issue arises specifically during the processing of certain command messages. When the driver improperly frees memory without adequate validation, it corrupts heap metadata, destabilizing memory allocation and potentially leading to exploitation.
Double-free vulnerabilities exploit the allocator's tracking mechanisms. The first free() call marks the memory as available, while a second call on the same pointer disrupts allocator invariants, causing metadata inconsistencies. Attackers can exploit these inconsistencies to manipulate memory allocation, potentially gaining control over adjacent memory regions.
Attack vectors typically involve local exploitation, where an attacker with limited system access could execute malicious code to trigger the vulnerability. The exact command sequences or conditions required for exploitation have not been explicitly detailed by Qualcomm.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Qualcomm Windows WLAN Host driver (specific affected versions not disclosed)
- Systems running Windows OS with Qualcomm wireless chipsets
Vendor Security History
Qualcomm has previously encountered similar memory management vulnerabilities in their drivers. Their security track record shows a consistent effort to address vulnerabilities through regular security bulletins and patches. However, their response times have varied, highlighting the importance of timely updates and proactive security measures.
References
- Qualcomm July 2025 Security Bulletin
- NVD Entry for CVE-2025-27051
- OWASP Double Free Vulnerability
- CWE-415: Double Free
Source: This report was created using AI
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