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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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-QGCM-F4W9-Q77H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-15 18:31 – Updated: 2025-07-03 15:31Use after free in DNS in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.96 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-4358"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-08-15T18:15:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in DNS in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.96 allowed a remote attacker to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: Medium)",
"id": "GHSA-qgcm-f4w9-q77h",
"modified": "2025-07-03T15:31:05Z",
"published": "2023-08-15T18:31:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4358"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2023/08/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_15.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1466415"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/2DMXHPRUGBUDNHZCZCIVMWAUIEXEGMGT"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/OCFEK63FUHFXZH5MSG6TNQOXMQWM4M5S"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-34"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5479"
}
],
"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-QGFG-Q826-94M3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 00:14 – Updated: 2022-05-17 00:14An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability is an instance of a use after free vulnerability in the JavaScript engine API. The mismatch between an old and a new object can provide an attacker with unintended memory access -- potentially leading to code corruption, control-flow hijack, or an information leak attack. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-16390"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-12-09T06:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability is an instance of a use after free vulnerability in the JavaScript engine API. The mismatch between an old and a new object can provide an attacker with unintended memory access -- potentially leading to code corruption, control-flow hijack, or an information leak attack. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-qgfg-q826-94m3",
"modified": "2022-05-17T00:14:40Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T00:14:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-16390"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb17-36.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101818"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039791"
}
],
"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-QGH4-9RG2-CHGQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-13 21:34 – Updated: 2026-10-13 21:34Use after free in Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-83761"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-13T19:20:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-qgh4-9rg2-chgq",
"modified": "2026-10-13T21:34:49Z",
"published": "2026-10-13T21:34:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-83761"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-83761"
}
],
"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-QGQ4-32VW-R3W5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-02-22 18:30 – Updated: 2024-05-01 18:30In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ksmbd: fix UAF issue in ksmbd_tcp_new_connection()
The race is between the handling of a new TCP connection and
its disconnection. It leads to UAF on struct tcp_transport in
ksmbd_tcp_new_connection() function.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-26592"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-02-22T17:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:\n\nksmbd: fix UAF issue in ksmbd_tcp_new_connection()\n\nThe race is between the handling of a new TCP connection and\nits disconnection. It leads to UAF on `struct tcp_transport` in\nksmbd_tcp_new_connection() function.",
"id": "GHSA-qgq4-32vw-r3w5",
"modified": "2024-05-01T18:30:35Z",
"published": "2024-02-22T18:30:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-26592"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/24290ba94cd0136e417283b0dbf8fcdabcf62111"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/380965e48e9c32ee4263c023e1d830ea7e462ed1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/38d20c62903d669693a1869aa68c4dd5674e2544"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/69d54650b751532d1e1613a4fb433e591aeef126"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/999daf367b924fdf14e9d83e034ee0f86bc17ec6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2024/03/18/2"
}
],
"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-QGQ7-9F49-WXV2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-06 21:31 – Updated: 2026-10-06 21:31Use after free in WebRTC in Google Chrome prior to 155.0.8059.39 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-106357"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-06T19:18:04Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in WebRTC in Google Chrome prior to 155.0.8059.39 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-qgq7-9f49-wxv2",
"modified": "2026-10-06T21:31:48Z",
"published": "2026-10-06T21:31:48Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-106357"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/10/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_086471744.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/567160162"
}
],
"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-QGQM-QRQ8-VRCP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-02-11 00:00 – Updated: 2022-08-25 00:00Due to improper error handling in SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java - versions KRNL64NUC 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, KRNL64UC, 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, 7.53, KERNEL 7.22, 7.49, 7.53, an attacker could submit multiple HTTP server requests resulting in errors, such that it consumes the memory buffer. This could result in system shutdown rendering the system unavailable.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-22533"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-02-09T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Due to improper error handling in SAP NetWeaver Application Server Java - versions KRNL64NUC 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, KRNL64UC, 7.22, 7.22EXT, 7.49, 7.53, KERNEL 7.22, 7.49, 7.53, an attacker could submit multiple HTTP server requests resulting in errors, such that it consumes the memory buffer. This could result in system shutdown rendering the system unavailable.",
"id": "GHSA-qgqm-qrq8-vrcp",
"modified": "2022-08-25T00:00:28Z",
"published": "2022-02-11T00:00:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-22533"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/3123427"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://wiki.scn.sap.com/wiki/display/PSR/SAP+Security+Patch+Day+-+February+2022"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sap.com/documents/2022/02/fa865ea4-167e-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QGRG-5HV8-3W32
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:45 – Updated: 2026-10-14 09:31An exploitable use after free vulnerability exists in the window function functionality of Sqlite3 3.26.0. A specially crafted SQL command can cause a use after free vulnerability, potentially resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can send a malicious SQL command to trigger this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-5018"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-05-10T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An exploitable use after free vulnerability exists in the window function functionality of Sqlite3 3.26.0. A specially crafted SQL command can cause a use after free vulnerability, potentially resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can send a malicious SQL command to trigger this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-qgrg-5hv8-3w32",
"modified": "2026-10-14T09:31:21Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:45:28Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-5018"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-398330.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201908-09"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20190521-0001"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2019-0777"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/4205-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/152809/Sqlite3-Window-Function-Remote-Code-Execution.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108294"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QGRJ-P6F4-PXJ8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-12 03:33 – Updated: 2024-12-12 03:33Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-49127"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-362",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-12T02:04:39Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability",
"id": "GHSA-qgrj-p6f4-pxj8",
"modified": "2024-12-12T03:33:05Z",
"published": "2024-12-12T03:33:05Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-49127"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-49127"
}
],
"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-QGV5-24RM-VPQ7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-09 03:30 – Updated: 2026-09-09 15:35Use after free in WebPackaging 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: Low)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-87634"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-09T01:17:21Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Use after free in WebPackaging 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: Low)",
"id": "GHSA-qgv5-24rm-vpq7",
"modified": "2026-09-09T15:35:03Z",
"published": "2026-09-09T03:30:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-87634"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/09/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_0808145027.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/349994197"
}
],
"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-QGW5-CHQV-JF7P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:20 – Updated: 2025-04-20 03:43Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.009.20058 and earlier, 2017.008.30051 and earlier, 2015.006.30306 and earlier, and 11.0.20 and earlier has an exploitable use after free vulnerability in XFA event management. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-11218"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-11T19:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.009.20058 and earlier, 2017.008.30051 and earlier, 2015.006.30306 and earlier, and 11.0.20 and earlier has an exploitable use after free vulnerability in XFA event management. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.",
"id": "GHSA-qgw5-chqv-jf7p",
"modified": "2025-04-20T03:43:00Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:20:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-11218"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb17-24.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/100182"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039098"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-17-572"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.