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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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-QQWC-2G9X-F2V3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-11-03 21:32 – Updated: 2026-11-04 00:32Use after free in CSS in Google Chrome prior to 157.0.8103.38 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-121036"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-11-03T21:17:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in CSS in Google Chrome prior to 157.0.8103.38 allowed a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code inside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-qqwc-2g9x-f2v3",
"modified": "2026-11-04T00:32:06Z",
"published": "2026-11-03T21:32:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121036"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/11/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/577378379"
}
],
"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-QQWR-J46X-F6MJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:05 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:05Under certain conditions, when retrieving a document from a DocShell in the antitracking code, a race condition could cause a use-after-free condition and a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 68.3, Firefox ESR < 68.3, and Firefox < 71.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-17011"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-362",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-01-08T22:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Under certain conditions, when retrieving a document from a DocShell in the antitracking code, a race condition could cause a use-after-free condition and a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird \u003c 68.3, Firefox ESR \u003c 68.3, and Firefox \u003c 71.",
"id": "GHSA-qqwr-j46x-f6mj",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:05:49Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:05:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-17011"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0292"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2020:0295"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1591334"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202003-02"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202003-10"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/4241-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://usn.ubuntu.com/4335-1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2019-36"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2019-37"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2019-38"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-01/msg00000.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2020-01/msg00001.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QQX4-4522-HC7J
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 03:09 – Updated: 2022-05-14 03:09When adding a range to an object in the DOM, it is possible to use "addRange" to add the range to an incorrect root object. This triggers a use-after-free, resulting in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 52 and Thunderbird < 52.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-5403"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-06-11T21:29:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "When adding a range to an object in the DOM, it is possible to use \"addRange\" to add the range to an incorrect root object. This triggers a use-after-free, resulting in a potentially exploitable crash. This vulnerability affects Firefox \u003c 52 and Thunderbird \u003c 52.",
"id": "GHSA-qqx4-4522-hc7j",
"modified": "2022-05-14T03:09:34Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T03:09:34Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-5403"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1340186"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-05"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2017-09"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96691"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037966"
}
],
"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-QR27-28HJ-HHXG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-29 00:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 06:25Use after free in ANGLE in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.93 allowed a remote attacker to perform arbitrary read/write via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-4317"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-07-29T00:15:10Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in ANGLE in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.93 allowed a remote attacker to perform arbitrary read/write via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-qr27-28hj-hhxg",
"modified": "2024-04-04T06:25:12Z",
"published": "2023-07-29T00:30:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-4317"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2021/12/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://crbug.com/1260783"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PQKT7EGDD2P3L7S3NXEDDRCPK4NNZNWJ"
}
],
"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-QR35-4R77-5H27
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 01:48 – Updated: 2022-05-14 01:48A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka "Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability." This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-8544"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-11-14T01:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the VBScript engine handles objects in memory, aka \"Windows VBScript Engine Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.\" This affects Windows 7, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 10, Windows 10 Servers.",
"id": "GHSA-qr35-4r77-5h27",
"modified": "2022-05-14T01:48:30Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T01:48:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-8544"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8544"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/45923"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/105787"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1042118"
}
],
"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-QR4J-65QH-7738
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-14 18:32 – Updated: 2026-07-14 18:32Use after free in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-49167"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-07-14T17:16:51Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Use after free in Windows Kernel allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-qr4j-65qh-7738",
"modified": "2026-07-14T18:32:00Z",
"published": "2026-07-14T18:32:00Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-49167"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-49167"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-QR52-2H56-3572
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-08 00:31 – Updated: 2024-05-08 00:31Foxit PDF Editor Stamp Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Editor. 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 handling of 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 in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-14356.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-34955"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-07T23:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Foxit PDF Editor Stamp Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Editor. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the handling of 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 in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-14356.",
"id": "GHSA-qr52-2h56-3572",
"modified": "2024-05-08T00:31:13Z",
"published": "2024-05-08T00:31:13Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34955"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1186"
}
],
"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-QR5R-M92W-94V3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-27 15:33 – Updated: 2026-11-05 18:32Use-after-free in the JavaScript: GC component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 159 and Firefox ESR 153.6.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-117994"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-27T14:16:57Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use-after-free in the JavaScript: GC component. This vulnerability was fixed in Firefox 159 and Firefox ESR 153.6.",
"id": "GHSA-qr5r-m92w-94v3",
"modified": "2026-11-05T18:32:12Z",
"published": "2026-10-27T15:33:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-117994"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=2080787"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-118"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-120"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-121"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/security/advisories/mfsa2026-122"
}
],
"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-QR6C-MGW3-XXQ8
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-21 15:31 – Updated: 2024-12-26 21:30In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
atm: iphase: fix possible use-after-free in ia_module_exit()
This module's remove path calls del_timer(). However, that function does not wait until the timer handler finishes. This means that the timer handler may still be running after the driver's remove function has finished, which would result in a use-after-free.
Fix by calling del_timer_sync(), which makes sure the timer handler has finished, and unable to re-schedule itself.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-47357"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-21T15:15:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:\n\natm: iphase: fix possible use-after-free in ia_module_exit()\n\nThis module\u0027s remove path calls del_timer(). However, that function\ndoes not wait until the timer handler finishes. This means that the\ntimer handler may still be running after the driver\u0027s remove function\nhas finished, which would result in a use-after-free.\n\nFix by calling del_timer_sync(), which makes sure the timer handler\nhas finished, and unable to re-schedule itself.",
"id": "GHSA-qr6c-mgw3-xxq8",
"modified": "2024-12-26T21:30:36Z",
"published": "2024-05-21T15:31:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-47357"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1c72e6ab66b9598cac741ed397438a52065a8f1f"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/89ce0b0747f319eb70f85bc820dcc43cebbd5417"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9e161687855175334ca93c6c3ccb221731194479"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a832ee2f2145f57443b2d565f8cb5490e8339f42"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b58d246a058ae88484758cd4ab27b3180fd5ecf8"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bcdd2be48edd8c6867fb44112cb8d18086beae29"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c9172498d4d62c9b64e5fb37c1ee0343e65fe51b"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d1fb12412874c94ad037e11d0ecdd1140a439297"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e759ff76ebbbfcdcf83b6634c54dc47828573d8b"
}
],
"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-QR7P-49MM-RHJF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-11-03 21:32 – Updated: 2026-11-04 00:32Use after free in Aura in Google Chrome prior to 157.0.8103.38 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-121178"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-11-03T21:17:26Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Use after free in Aura in Google Chrome prior to 157.0.8103.38 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to potentially execute arbitrary code outside the sandbox via a crafted HTML page. (Chromium security severity: High)",
"id": "GHSA-qr7p-49mm-rhjf",
"modified": "2026-11-04T00:32:09Z",
"published": "2026-11-03T21:32:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121178"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/11/stable-channel-update-for-desktop.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://issues.chromium.org/issues/570029317"
}
],
"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"
}
]
}
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.