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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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-Q7WM-WCVX-WFX8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-13 15:32 – Updated: 2026-10-13 21:32Use-after-free in the DOM: Animation component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 158.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-109735"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-13T13:17:24Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Use-after-free in the DOM: Animation component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 158.",
"id": "GHSA-q7wm-wcvx-wfx8",
"modified": "2026-10-13T21:32:23Z",
"published": "2026-10-13T15:32:15Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-109735"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=2028727"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-109"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-Q7X8-46JP-F7M2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-21 00:32 – Updated: 2026-10-21 00:32Use after free in Script in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.47 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-113108"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-221",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-20T22:19:02Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Script in Google Chrome prior to 156.0.8078.47 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)",
"id": "GHSA-q7x8-46jp-f7m2",
"modified": "2026-10-21T00:32:42Z",
"published": "2026-10-21T00:32:42Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-113108"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_02018666648.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/502299325"
}
],
"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-Q826-V3V4-6JVJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:04 – Updated: 2026-09-18 12:31** DISPUTED ** Info-ZIP Zip 3.0, when the -T and -TT command-line options are used, allows attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid free and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact because of an off-by-one error. NOTE: it is unclear whether there are realistic scenarios in which an untrusted party controls the -TT value, given that the entire purpose of -TT is execution of arbitrary commands.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-13410"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-07-06T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "** DISPUTED ** Info-ZIP Zip 3.0, when the -T and -TT command-line options are used, allows attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid free and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact because of an off-by-one error. NOTE: it is unclear whether there are realistic scenarios in which an untrusted party controls the -TT value, given that the entire purpose of -TT is execution of arbitrary commands.",
"id": "GHSA-q826-v3v4-6jvj",
"modified": "2026-09-18T12:31:13Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:04:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-13410"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2026/09/msg00020.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2018/Jul/24"
}
],
"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-Q83W-52WV-55JX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:38 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:38Use after free in media in Google Chrome prior to 87.0.4280.141 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-21108"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-01-08T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Use after free in media in Google Chrome prior to 87.0.4280.141 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page.",
"id": "GHSA-q83w-52wv-55jx",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:38:25Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:38:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-21108"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/01/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1155426"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/VVUWIJKZTZTG6G475OR6PP4WPQBVM6PS"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/Z6P6AVVFP7B2M4H7TJQBASRZIBLOTUFN"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202101-05"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2021/dsa-4832"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-Q85H-9282-2M2G
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:37 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:37This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the style attribute of Caret Annotation objects. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5024.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-14832"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-12-20T14:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the style attribute of Caret Annotation objects. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5024.",
"id": "GHSA-q85h-9282-2m2g",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:37:35Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:37:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-14832"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-17-876"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-Q869-52P3-M2G6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-09-27 00:00 – Updated: 2025-05-22 15:34Use after free in SwiftShader in Google Chrome prior to 104.0.5112.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-2854"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-362",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-09-26T16:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in SwiftShader in Google Chrome prior to 104.0.5112.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.",
"id": "GHSA-q869-52p3-m2g6",
"modified": "2025-05-22T15:34:42Z",
"published": "2022-09-27T00:00:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-2854"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2022/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_16.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1337538"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/T4NMJURTG5RO3TGD7ZMIQ6Z4ZZ3SAVYE"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/T4NMJURTG5RO3TGD7ZMIQ6Z4ZZ3SAVYE"
}
],
"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-Q86X-V28R-5PX8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-06-10 18:32 – Updated: 2025-06-10 18:32Use after free in Windows KDC Proxy Service (KPSSVC) allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-33071"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-06-10T17:22:59Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows KDC Proxy Service (KPSSVC) allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.",
"id": "GHSA-q86x-v28r-5px8",
"modified": "2025-06-10T18:32:29Z",
"published": "2025-06-10T18:32:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-33071"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-33071"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-Q879-MF33-RFV7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:01 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:01A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software's Foxit PDF Reader version 9.1.0.5096. A use-after-free condition can occur when accessing the Subject property of the this.info object. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. If the browser plugin extension is enabled, visiting a malicious site can also trigger the vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-3958"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-10-02T21:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software\u0027s Foxit PDF Reader version 9.1.0.5096. A use-after-free condition can occur when accessing the Subject property of the this.info object. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. If the browser plugin extension is enabled, visiting a malicious site can also trigger the vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-q879-mf33-rfv7",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:01:51Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:01:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-3958"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2018-0628"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1041769"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-Q87W-69W9-3JVW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2021-11-19 00:00 – Updated: 2024-02-27 18:46In mdlactl driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS05776625; Issue ID: ALPS05776625.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-0629"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-11-18T15:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In mdlactl driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with System execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS05776625; Issue ID: ALPS05776625.",
"id": "GHSA-q87w-69w9-3jvw",
"modified": "2024-02-27T18:46:28Z",
"published": "2021-11-19T00:00:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-0629"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/November-2021"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-Q87W-M784-6JM8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:05 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:05Use after free in Network service in Google Chrome prior to 91.0.4472.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-30553"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-06-15T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Network service in Google Chrome prior to 91.0.4472.101 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.",
"id": "GHSA-q87w-m784-6jm8",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:05:33Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:05:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-30553"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/06/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1209769"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/ETMZL6IHCTCTREEL434BQ4THQ7EOHJ43"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PAT6EOXVQFE6JFMFQF4IKAOUQSHMHL54"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202107-06"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
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.