CVE-2026-112466 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7.2 and iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or read kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability addressed in this update represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the operating system's core components. This type of flaw typically arises when software accesses data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers, often due to insufficient validation of input parameters or improper handling of array indices. In the context of iOS and macOS ecosystems, such errors frequently occur in kernel-level code or privileged subsystems that process complex user inputs or network packets. The root cause is a failure to enforce strict bounds checking before memory access operations are executed, allowing an application to trigger reads from memory regions it should not have permission to view. This deficiency highlights the importance of rigorous input validation mechanisms and safe coding practices in systems programming where direct memory manipulation is prevalent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it allows a maliciously crafted application to exploit the flaw during normal execution or when processing specific data structures. By triggering the out-of-bounds read, an attacker can cause unexpected system termination, leading to denial of service conditions for users and potentially destabilizing critical services running on the device. More critically, the ability to read kernel memory poses a severe security risk as it may expose sensitive information stored in privileged areas of the operating system. This could include cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data that is not intended to be accessible by standard applications. The exploitation of this flaw does not necessarily require privilege escalation initially but serves as a powerful tool for information disclosure and can potentially pave the way for further attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities.
From a classification perspective, this issue aligns closely with CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read errors where software reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. It also relates to CWE-20 regarding improper input validation, as the underlying cause is often inadequate checks on user-supplied data. In terms of offensive security frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, this vulnerability facilitates techniques associated with T1537, which involves transferring data from a system using custom protocols or methods that bypass standard controls, and potentially T1005 for Data from Local System if the read operation successfully extracts sensitive kernel memory contents. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on established industry standards and threat models.
To mitigate this risk, Apple has released updates across multiple platforms including iOS 26.7.2, iPadOS 26.7.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, and watchOS 27.2. Users are strongly advised to apply these updates immediately to ensure their devices are protected against exploitation of this out-of-bounds read flaw. For developers, the incident serves as a reminder to implement robust input validation routines and utilize static analysis tools that can detect potential buffer overflows or underflows during the software development lifecycle. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding guidelines such as those provided by OWASP are essential practices for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future releases of mobile and desktop operating systems.