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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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-QF2F-FWQH-HQRP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-02-11 00:00 – Updated: 2022-02-15 00:02In Bluetooth, there is a possible service crash due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS06126814; Issue ID: ALPS06126814.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-20044"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-02-09T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In Bluetooth, there is a possible service crash due to a use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS06126814; Issue ID: ALPS06126814.",
"id": "GHSA-qf2f-fwqh-hqrp",
"modified": "2022-02-15T00:02:59Z",
"published": "2022-02-11T00:00:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-20044"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/February-2022"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-QF32-GWP4-Q54F
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-03-19 00:00 – Updated: 2022-03-25 00:00A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.3. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-22669"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-03-18T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Monterey 12.3. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-qf32-gwp4-q54f",
"modified": "2022-03-25T00:00:43Z",
"published": "2022-03-19T00:00:50Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22669"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213183"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QF39-8QPW-5CWJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-05 00:31 – Updated: 2026-06-06 06:30Use after free in Device Trust in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-11114"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-04T23:17:17Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Use after free in Device Trust in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)",
"id": "GHSA-qf39-8qpw-5cwj",
"modified": "2026-06-06T06:30:28Z",
"published": "2026-06-05T00:31:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-11114"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/06/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/501360342"
}
],
"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-QF3G-CG7V-C4X9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-27 15:31 – Updated: 2026-10-30 15:31In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm: zynqmp_kms: Unplug DRM device before removal
Prevent userspace accesses to the DRM device from causing use-after-frees by unplugging the device before we remove it. This causes any further userspace accesses to result in an error without further calls into this driver's internals.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-56538"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-27T14:15:33Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:\n\ndrm: zynqmp_kms: Unplug DRM device before removal\n\nPrevent userspace accesses to the DRM device from causing\nuse-after-frees by unplugging the device before we remove it. This\ncauses any further userspace accesses to result in an error without\nfurther calls into this driver\u0027s internals.",
"id": "GHSA-qf3g-cg7v-c4x9",
"modified": "2026-10-30T15:31:58Z",
"published": "2024-12-27T15:31:53Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-56538"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0c8ca1da81e5a9787284eb84c0c6ae927f063c15"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2e07c88914fc5289c21820b1aa94f058feb38197"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4fb97432e28a7e136b2d76135d50e988ada8e1af"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/692f52aedccbf79b212a1e14e3735192b4c24a7d"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a17b9afe58c474657449cf87e238b1788200576b"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QF6P-5R8Q-XJGG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-05 00:31 – Updated: 2026-06-05 03:31Use after free in Printing in Google Chrome on Linux prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-10894"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-04T23:16:50Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Printing in Google Chrome on Linux prior to 149.0.7827.53 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially perform a sandbox escape via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Critical)",
"id": "GHSA-qf6p-5r8q-xjgg",
"modified": "2026-06-05T03:31:30Z",
"published": "2026-06-05T00:31:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-10894"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/06/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/513445101"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QF77-WCX3-JV3R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:26 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:26Use-after-free vulnerability in the garbage-collection functionality in Google Chrome before 17.0.963.46 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors involving PDF documents.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2011-3957"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2012-02-09T04:10:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use-after-free vulnerability in the garbage-collection functionality in Google Chrome before 17.0.963.46 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors involving PDF documents.",
"id": "GHSA-qf77-wcx3-jv3r",
"modified": "2022-05-13T01:26:54Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:26:54Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2011-3957"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A14675"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=104056"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://googlechromereleases.blogspot.com/2012/02/stable-channel-update.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-QF7F-CCGX-QPH7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:02 – Updated: 2023-08-02 00:30Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-31176, CVE-2021-31177, CVE-2021-31179.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-31175"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-05-11T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2021-31176, CVE-2021-31177, CVE-2021-31179.",
"id": "GHSA-qf7f-ccgx-qph7",
"modified": "2023-08-02T00:30:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:02:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-31175"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-31175"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-580"
}
],
"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-QF82-94VJ-MPP3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-10 12:30 – Updated: 2025-10-10 12:30A use after free vulnerability exists in VS6ComFile!load_link_inf of V-SFT v6.2.7.0 and earlier. Opening specially crafted V-SFT files may lead to information disclosure, affected system's abnormal end (ABEND), and arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-61864"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-10T11:15:44Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A use after free vulnerability exists in VS6ComFile!load_link_inf of V-SFT v6.2.7.0 and earlier. Opening specially crafted V-SFT files may lead to information disclosure, affected system\u0027s abnormal end (ABEND), and arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-qf82-94vj-mpp3",
"modified": "2025-10-10T12:30:56Z",
"published": "2025-10-10T12:30:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-61864"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU90008453"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://monitouch.fujielectric.com/site/download-e/09vsft6_inf/Search.php"
}
],
"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"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/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-QF8C-938W-PVRW
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-28 18:30 – Updated: 2024-01-31 18:31Use after free in Passwords in Google Chrome prior to 117.0.5938.132 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI interaction to potentially exploit heap corruption via crafted UI interaction. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-5186"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-09-28T16:15:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Passwords in Google Chrome prior to 117.0.5938.132 allowed a remote attacker who convinced a user to engage in specific UI interaction to potentially exploit heap corruption via crafted UI interaction. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-qf8c-938w-pvrw",
"modified": "2024-01-31T18:31:20Z",
"published": "2023-09-28T18:30:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-5186"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_27.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1478889"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/4MFWDFJSSIFKWKNOCTQCFUNZWAXUCSS4"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/CWEJYS5NC7KVFYU3OAMPKQDYN6JQGVK6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/WTRUIS3564P7ZLM2S2IH4Y4KZ327LI4I"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5508"
}
],
"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-QF8P-3M5C-7Q58
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-09 12:30 – Updated: 2024-10-09 12:30Animate versions 23.0.7, 24.0.4 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability that could result in 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-2024-47414"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-09T10:15:05Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Animate versions 23.0.7, 24.0.4 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability that could result in 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-qf8p-3m5c-7q58",
"modified": "2024-10-09T12:30:51Z",
"published": "2024-10-09T12:30:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-47414"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/animate/apsb24-76.html"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.