Qualcomm Chipset GPU Micronode Authorization Flaw (CVE-2025-21479)

Historical catalog analysis: CISA added this entry on June 03, 2025. The entry reflects catalog information retrieved on August 31, 2026, not a snapshot archived on the inclusion date. Check current vendor guidance before acting.

What the vulnerability is

CVE-2025-21479 is an incorrect authorization vulnerability (CWE-863) affecting multiple Qualcomm chipsets. The flaw exists within the GPU micronode, where a specific sequence of commands can lead to unauthorized command execution. This failure in authorization allows for memory corruption within the affected component.

Exposure and applicability

This vulnerability applies to organizations utilizing hardware integrated with the affected Qualcomm chipsets. Because these chipsets are embedded across various device categories, exposure is determined by the specific hardware inventory and the corresponding Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) implementation. The primary risk involves the execution of unauthorized commands that compromise memory integrity in the GPU micronode.

Remediation priorities

Based on our analysis, vulnerability management teams should prioritize the following actions to reduce exposure:

1. Asset Identification: Identify all hardware assets utilizing Qualcomm chipsets. Since the vulnerability affects “multiple” chipsets, a comprehensive hardware inventory is required to determine which devices are within the affected scope.
2. OEM Patch Verification: Consult with specific OEMs to determine the patching status for each identified device. Because Qualcomm provides the chipset but OEMs manage the final firmware delivery, the availability of a fix depends on the device manufacturer.
3. Mitigation Deployment: Apply updates as specified in the Qualcomm June 2025 Security Bulletin or OEM-provided instructions. For assets where mitigations are unavailable, evaluate the necessity of the device and consider discontinuing use to eliminate the risk.

How to validate remediation

Verifying that a vulnerability has been mitigated requires more than a version check. To ensure exposure is actually reduced, defenders should:

• Cross-Reference Firmware Versions: Match the installed firmware version against the specific patched versions listed by the OEM for CVE-2025-21479.
• Verify Micronode State: Where possible, use authorized vendor tools to confirm that the GPU micronode is operating under the updated authorization logic described in the remediation guidance.

Confirmation of a patch installation does not inherently prove that the vulnerability is unreachable in all configurations; it only confirms the update was applied.

Limits and open questions

There are several unknowns regarding this vulnerability. The specific list of affected chipset models is not detailed in the primary advisory, requiring defenders to rely on OEM-specific documentation. Additionally, while the flaw allows for memory corruption, the full range of potential outcomes beyond corruption remains unspecified. Finally, it is unknown if this vulnerability has been leveraged in active ransomware campaigns.

Source and editorial note

CVE-2025-21479: Qualcomm Multiple Chipsets Incorrect Authorization Vulnerability · Source date: June 03, 2025 · Retrieved August 31, 2026.

Material facts are tied to the cited primary source. Recommendations are independent defensive analysis unless attributed to the source. Confirm consequential decisions against current authoritative guidance.

Archive date: June 06, 2025. The displayed post date is assigned three days after the source date to organize this retrospective archive; it does not mean this site published the analysis then. First published by this site: October 13, 2026 at 00:04 UTC.

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