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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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
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updated Demonstrative_Examples
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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
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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-PXH6-35V6-CW7W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-09 03:30 – Updated: 2026-09-09 15:34Use after free in Aura in Google Chrome prior to 153.0.8010.36 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-87455"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-09T01:17:01Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Use after free in Aura in Google Chrome prior to 153.0.8010.36 allowed a remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)",
"id": "GHSA-pxh6-35v6-cw7w",
"modified": "2026-09-09T15:34:56Z",
"published": "2026-09-09T03:30:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-87455"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0808145027.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/542565481"
}
],
"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-PXH8-VQH4-J2QQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:56 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:56spl_array.c in the SPL extension in PHP before 5.5.37 and 5.6.x before 5.6.23 improperly interacts with the unserialize implementation and garbage collection, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (use-after-free and application crash) via crafted serialized data.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-5771"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2016-08-07T10:59:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "spl_array.c in the SPL extension in PHP before 5.5.37 and 5.6.x before 5.6.23 improperly interacts with the unserialize implementation and garbage collection, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (use-after-free and application crash) via crafted serialized data.",
"id": "GHSA-pxh8-vqh4-j2qq",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:56:21Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:56:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-5771"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.php.net/bug.php?id=72433"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05240731"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/HT207170"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://github.com/php/php-src/commit/3f627e580acfdaf0595ae3b115b8bec677f203ee?w=1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2016/Sep/msg00006.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-07/msg00004.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2016-08/msg00003.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://php.net/ChangeLog-5.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2750.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3618"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/06/23/4"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91401"
}
],
"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-PXHG-RGCF-QJ38
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:11 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:11Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 (and earlier), 2020.004.30005 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30197 (and earlier) are affected by an Use-after-free vulnerability. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-28640"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-08-20T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 (and earlier), 2020.004.30005 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30197 (and earlier) are affected by an Use-after-free vulnerability. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.",
"id": "GHSA-pxhg-rgcf-qj38",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:11:46Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:11:46Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-28640"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-51.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-PXHW-6Q9J-34M8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:25 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:48Use-after-free vulnerability in the snd_pcm_info function in the ALSA subsystem in the Linux kernel allows attackers to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-0861"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-11-16T23:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use-after-free vulnerability in the snd_pcm_info function in the ALSA subsystem in the Linux kernel allows attackers to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.",
"id": "GHSA-pxhw-6q9j-34m8",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:48:39Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:25:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-0861"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpuapr2019-5072813.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2020.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4187"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3632-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3619-2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3619-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3617-3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3617-2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3617-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3583-2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/3583-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2017-11-01"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2017-0861"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2018/05/msg00000.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://help.ecostruxureit.com/display/public/UADCE725/Security+fixes+in+StruxureWare+Data+Center+Expert+v7.6.0"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=362bca57f5d78220f8b5907b875961af9436e229"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0036"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:3096"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:3083"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:2390"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/secure-testing-commits/2017-December/059967.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/102329"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PXJC-2PXW-QCPG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-06-23 18:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 05:07A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.4, macOS Big Sur 11.7.7, macOS Monterey 12.6.6. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-32387"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-06-23T18:15:12Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Ventura 13.4, macOS Big Sur 11.7.7, macOS Monterey 12.6.6. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution",
"id": "GHSA-pxjc-2pxw-qcpg",
"modified": "2024-04-04T05:07:47Z",
"published": "2023-06-23T18:30:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-32387"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213758"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213759"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213760"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2023-1717"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PXMR-CW4F-PPF5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-13 21:36 – Updated: 2026-10-13 21:36Use after free in Windows USB Print Driver allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-96253"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-13T19:21:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows USB Print Driver allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-pxmr-cw4f-ppf5",
"modified": "2026-10-13T21:36:59Z",
"published": "2026-10-13T21:36:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-96253"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-96253"
}
],
"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-PXPF-R7F8-32JC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-13 21:34 – Updated: 2026-10-13 21:34Use after free in Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-72968"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-13T19:19:51Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows Program Compatibility Assistant Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-pxpf-r7f8-32jc",
"modified": "2026-10-13T21:34:23Z",
"published": "2026-10-13T21:34:23Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-72968"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-72968"
}
],
"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-PXQ3-H2CM-CXRJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:27 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:27Use-after-free vulnerability in SumatraPDF Reader 2.x before 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2013-2830"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-02-08T23:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use-after-free vulnerability in SumatraPDF Reader 2.x before 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.",
"id": "GHSA-pxq3-h2cm-cxrj",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:27:59Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:27:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-2830"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/vulnerabilityresearchadvisories/2013/msvr13-005"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-PXRJ-QG32-C99W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-08 18:33 – Updated: 2026-09-08 18:33Use after free in Windows Services for NFS ONCRPC XDR Driver allows an authorized attacker to execute code locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-70585"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-08T18:20:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows Services for NFS ONCRPC XDR Driver allows an authorized attacker to execute code locally.",
"id": "GHSA-pxrj-qg32-c99w",
"modified": "2026-09-08T18:33:07Z",
"published": "2026-09-08T18:33:07Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-70585"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-70585"
}
],
"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-PXRM-M7RV-PMGG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-30 03:31 – Updated: 2026-08-03 18:30Use after free in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-17729"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-07-30T01:16:35Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 151.0.7922.72 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform out of bounds memory access via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)",
"id": "GHSA-pxrm-m7rv-pmgg",
"modified": "2026-08-03T18:30:30Z",
"published": "2026-07-30T03:31:11Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17729"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/07/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0887107924.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/520656237"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.