CWE-416
Weakness AllowedUse After Free
Abstraction: Variant · Status: Stable
The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
Mapping guidance
This CWE entry is at the Variant level of abstraction, which is a preferred level of abstraction for mapping to the root causes of vulnerabilities.
Carefully read both the name and description to ensure that this mapping is an appropriate fit. Do not try to 'force' a mapping to a lower-level Base/Variant simply to comply with this preferred level of abstraction.
Relationships and members
Modes of introduction
Detection methods
Fuzzing
Fuzz testing (fuzzing) is a powerful technique for generating large numbers of diverse inputs - either randomly or algorithmically - and dynamically invoking the code with those inputs. Even with random inputs, it is often capable of generating unexpected results such as crashes, memory corruption, or resource consumption. Fuzzing effectively produces repeatable test cases that clearly indicate bugs, which helps developers to diagnose the issues.
Effectiveness: High
Automated Static Analysis
Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.)
Effectiveness: High
Automated Dynamic Analysis
Use tools that are integrated during compilation to insert runtime error-checking mechanisms related to memory safety errors, such as AddressSanitizer (ASan) for C/C++ [REF-1518].
Effectiveness: Moderate
Crafted inputs are necessary to reach the code containing the error, such as generated by fuzzers. Also, these tools may reduce performance, and they only report the error condition - not the original mistake that led to the error.
Content history
Suggested rephrase for extended description
Contributed or reviewed taxonomy mappings for ISA/IEC 62443
Provided diagram to improve CWE usability
updated Potential_Mitigations, Time_of_Introduction
added/updated white box definitions
updated Applicable_Platforms, Common_Consequences, Relationships, Observed_Example, Other_Notes, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Demonstrative_Examples
updated Demonstrative_Examples
updated Common_Consequences
updated Relationships
updated Potential_Mitigations
updated Observed_Examples, Relationships
updated Alternate_Terms, Common_Consequences, Description, Observed_Examples, Other_Notes, Potential_Mitigations, Relationships
updated Description
updated Common_Consequences
updated Demonstrative_Examples
updated Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated References, Relationships
updated Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Relationships
updated Demonstrative_Examples, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings, White_Box_Definitions
updated Relationships
updated Relationships, Type
updated Relationships
updated References, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Observed_Examples, Relationships
updated Description, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Detection_Factors, Relationships, Time_of_Introduction
updated Mapping_Notes, Relationships
updated Observed_Examples
updated Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Alternate_Terms, Common_Consequences, Description, Diagram, Potential_Mitigations, Relationships, Weakness_Ordinalities
updated Relationships
updated Observed_Examples
updated Functional_Areas
updated Applicable_Platforms, Detection_Factors, References, Relationships
updated Common_Consequences, Observed_Examples
updated Observed_Examples, References
12544 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-PV5P-66R3-9FQ9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-08-11 21:33 – Updated: 2026-08-11 21:33An issue in MongoDB Server's $graphLookup aggregation stage could allow an authenticated user able to issue aggregation and memory-management commands to cause an internal reference to be used after the underlying memory has been freed. This could result in a server crash or, potentially, execution of unintended code.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-18706"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-08-11T19:17:25Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An issue in MongoDB Server\u0027s $graphLookup aggregation stage could allow an authenticated user able to issue aggregation and memory-management commands to cause an internal reference to be used after the underlying memory has been freed. This could result in a server crash or, potentially, execution of unintended code.",
"id": "GHSA-pv5p-66r3-9fq9",
"modified": "2026-08-11T21:33:08Z",
"published": "2026-08-11T21:33:08Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-18706"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jira.mongodb.org/browse/SERVER-128551"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-PV6F-R7PM-PF6M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-28 00:30 – Updated: 2026-10-28 18:31Improper input validation in Compositing in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.73 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-118332"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-20",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-27T23:17:01Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Improper input validation in Compositing in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.73 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-pv6f-r7pm-pf6m",
"modified": "2026-10-28T18:31:55Z",
"published": "2026-10-28T00:30:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-118332"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0562499947.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/574030524"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PV6W-73JG-C3FQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:23 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:23Use-after-free vulnerability in the gfxFont::GetFontEntry function in Mozilla Firefox before 17.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.11, Thunderbird before 17.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.11, and SeaMonkey before 2.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via unspecified vectors.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2012-4216"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2012-11-21T12:55:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use-after-free vulnerability in the gfxFont::GetFontEntry function in Mozilla Firefox before 17.0, Firefox ESR 10.x before 10.0.11, Thunderbird before 17.0, Thunderbird ESR 10.x before 10.0.11, and SeaMonkey before 2.14 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via unspecified vectors.",
"id": "GHSA-pv6w-73jg-c3fq",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:23:40Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:23:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-4216"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=798853"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/80189"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A16902"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2012-11/msg00021.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2013-01/msg00022.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2012-11/msg00090.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2012-11/msg00092.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2012-11/msg00093.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://osvdb.org/87609"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-1482.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2012-1483.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51359"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51360"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51369"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51370"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51381"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51434"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51439"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/51440"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2012/dsa-2583"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2012/dsa-2584"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2012/dsa-2588"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2012:173"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.mozilla.org/security/announce/2012/mfsa2012-105.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/56634"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1636-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1638-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1638-2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1638-3"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-PV7H-6MGJ-WW26
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-13 21:34 – Updated: 2026-10-13 21:34Use after free in Windows Direct Composition allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-70021"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-13T19:19:13Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows Direct Composition allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-pv7h-6mgj-ww26",
"modified": "2026-10-13T21:34:00Z",
"published": "2026-10-13T21:34:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-70021"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-70021"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PV7W-XVFQ-976M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:04 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:04Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions , 2019.021.20056 and earlier, 2017.011.30152 and earlier, 2017.011.30155 and earlier version, 2017.011.30152 and earlier, and 2015.006.30505 and earlier have an use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-16459"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-12-19T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions , 2019.021.20056 and earlier, 2017.011.30152 and earlier, 2017.011.30155 and earlier version, 2017.011.30152 and earlier, and 2015.006.30505 and earlier have an use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .",
"id": "GHSA-pv7w-xvfq-976m",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:04:43Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:04:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-16459"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb19-55.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-PV86-XGR9-75FJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-03-27 00:00 – Updated: 2022-04-01 00:00User after free in mrb_vm_exec in GitHub repository mruby/mruby prior to 3.2.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-1071"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-03-26T04:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "User after free in mrb_vm_exec in GitHub repository mruby/mruby prior to 3.2.",
"id": "GHSA-pv86-xgr9-75fj",
"modified": "2022-04-01T00:00:50Z",
"published": "2022-03-27T00:00:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-1071"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/mruby/mruby/commit/aaa28a508903041dd7399d4159a8ace9766b022f"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://huntr.dev/bounties/6597ece9-07af-415b-809b-919ce0a17cf3"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PV8X-XWFX-GRXV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:09 – Updated: 2024-10-21 15:32A use-after-free vulnerability in frame selection triggered by a combination of malicious script content and key presses by a user. This results in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 52.1, Firefox ESR < 45.9, Firefox ESR < 52.1, and Firefox < 53.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-5460"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-06-11T21:29:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A use-after-free vulnerability in frame selection triggered by a combination of malicious script content and key presses by a user. This results in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird \u003c 52.1, Firefox ESR \u003c 45.9, Firefox ESR \u003c 52.1, and Firefox \u003c 53.",
"id": "GHSA-pv8x-xwfx-grxv",
"modified": "2024-10-21T15:32:20Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:09:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-5460"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:1104"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:1106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:1201"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1343642"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3831"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-10"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-11"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-12"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-13"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97940"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038320"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PVC6-FJGM-H5WF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:13 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:13Use after free in Web Share in Google Chrome prior to 93.0.4577.63 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-30608"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-09-03T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Web Share in Google Chrome prior to 93.0.4577.63 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.",
"id": "GHSA-pvc6-fjgm-h5wf",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:13:00Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:13:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-30608"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_31.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1219870"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5LVY4WIWTVVYKQMROJJS365TZBKEARCF"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/IPJPUSAWIJMQFBQQQYXAICLI4EKFQOH6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/QW4R2K5HVJ4R6XDZYOJCCFPIN2XHNS3L"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-30608"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-PVF7-FVGH-4CQ4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-07-29 00:00 – Updated: 2022-08-03 00:00Use after free in Core in Google Chrome prior to 103.0.5060.53 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-2156"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-07-28T01:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Core in Google Chrome prior to 103.0.5060.53 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.",
"id": "GHSA-pvf7-fvgh-4cq4",
"modified": "2022-08-03T00:00:53Z",
"published": "2022-07-29T00:00:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-2156"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2022/06/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_21.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1335458"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/5BQRTR4SIUNIHLLPWTGYSDNQK7DYCRSB"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/H2C4XOJVIILDXTOSMWJXHSQNEXFWSOD7"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202208-25"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PVF9-7XMX-JPFW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-12-22 00:00 – Updated: 2023-05-27 06:30The gf_dump_setup function in GPAC 1.0.1 allows malicoius users to cause a denial of service (Invalid memory address dereference) via a crafted file in the MP4Box command.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-45291"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-12-21T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The gf_dump_setup function in GPAC 1.0.1 allows malicoius users to cause a denial of service (Invalid memory address dereference) via a crafted file in the MP4Box command.",
"id": "GHSA-pvf9-7xmx-jpfw",
"modified": "2023-05-27T06:30:36Z",
"published": "2021-12-22T00:00:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-45291"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/gpac/gpac/issues/1955"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5411"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Strategy: Language Selection
Choose a language that provides automatic memory management.
Mitigation
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
When freeing pointers, be sure to set them to NULL once they are freed. However, the utilization of multiple or complex data structures may lower the usefulness of this strategy.
No CAPEC attack patterns related to this CWE.