CVE-2025-59617: Qualcomm Firmware Memory Corruption via IOCTL Buffer Reuse

Technical summary

CVE-2025-59617 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) present in multiple Qualcomm SoC and wireless connectivity firmware components. The defect occurs when consecutive IOCTL system calls reference an identical buffer file descriptor without proper lifecycle management, resulting in memory corruption. The vulnerability manifests across FastConnect WiFi modules (6700, 6900, 7800), automotive and IoT platforms (Molokai, Orne, Pandeiro, QCM5430, QCM6490), XR/AR platforms, and mainstream mobile Snapdragon processors. The attack surface is local; an unprivileged user can trigger the flaw, though user interaction is required as a mitigation factor. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Business impact

Organizations deploying affected Qualcomm-based devices face operational and reputational risk. In mobile and IoT deployments, a compromised local user could exfiltrate credentials, encryption keys, or proprietary data. In automotive and industrial contexts (QCM platforms), memory corruption could destabilize critical control systems. For enterprise deployments relying on FastConnect WiFi modules, this enables lateral escalation from a local account to system compromise. Patching timelines vary significantly across the ecosystem, creating extended vulnerability windows.

Affected systems

The vulnerability affects a broad cross-section of Qualcomm's semiconductor portfolio: FastConnect WiFi modules (6700, 6900, 7800 families and firmware variants); Snapdragon mobile processors ranging from the budget Snapdragon 460 to flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5; automotive/industrial IoT platforms (QCM5430, QCM6490, Molokai, Orne, Pandeiro); XR/AR platforms (Snapdragon XR2 5G, Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1); and specialized platforms (Video Collaboration VC3, SC8380XP, SD865 5G). Both the firmware and host driver components are affected, requiring coordinated patching across the software supply chain.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, placing this in the 'moderately easy to exploit' category for insiders or local network attackers. An attacker must craft and sequence multiple IOCTL calls to the same buffer descriptor in a time-sensitive manner. No remote exploitation path exists. The requirement for user interaction—likely clicking or opening a malicious application—reduces but does not eliminate risk in unattended or kiosk deployments. Public exploit code is not yet confirmed in the wild.

Remediation

Vendors must release firmware updates that implement proper file descriptor lifecycle tracking and buffer reference counting before and after IOCTL processing. Qualcomm should coordinate patch availability across its fragmented device ecosystem. Remediation requires both firmware updates and, in many cases, host-side driver patches from OEMs and platform maintainers. Organizations should inventory affected devices and establish a phased patching schedule, prioritizing devices exposed to untrusted local users or network access.

Patch guidance

Check Qualcomm's security advisory for specific firmware version numbers addressing this CVE across each affected platform. Patches will be released separately for each SoC family and firmware variant due to the breadth of affected products. OEMs (Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, automotive suppliers, etc.) will release patches through their own channels; subscribe to vendor security bulletins rather than waiting for Qualcomm direct releases. Prioritize updates for devices in high-risk environments: shared mobile devices, BYOD programs, automotive telematics systems, and XR/AR platforms used in enterprise settings. Verify patch application by confirming firmware version via device settings or MDM telemetry.

Detection guidance

Monitor kernel logs and security events for repeated IOCTL failures or memory access violations targeting wireless drivers and platform firmware interfaces. Use static analysis tools on firmware binaries to identify patched versus unpatched versions by comparing file descriptor handling routines. On Android, SecurityHub and vendor-specific security scans may flag unpatched systems. For automotive and industrial deployments, inspect firmware release notes and version strings. Correlation of device crashes or unexpected reboots with sustained local user activity may indicate exploitation attempts.

Why prioritize this

Although rated MEDIUM severity, the breadth of affected products and the local attack surface create enterprise risk. Unlike network vulnerabilities, this requires per-device remediation, stretching patch cycles. The integrity impact (CWE-416 enables arbitrary memory writes) justifies higher internal prioritization than the base score alone suggests, especially for organizations with mobile device management programs or automotive deployments. The lack of KEV designation indicates no active exploitation campaigns at publication, but this should not delay planning.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.6 reflects: local attack vector (reduces severity vs. network), high attack complexity (timing-dependent exploitation), low privilege requirement (standard user), and the requirement for user interaction. However, the scope is changed—compromise crosses privilege boundaries within the device—and integrity impact is high. The score appropriately captures a flaw more dangerous than simple information disclosure but less critical than a network-accessible remote code execution. Organizations should weight their own context: high-trust environments (personal devices, employees at desks) score lower risk; shared or BYOD environments score higher.

Frequently asked questions