CVE-2026-112470 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. 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 corrupt kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the operating system's core components, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS platforms. This type of defect arises when software writes data to a memory location that lies outside the boundaries of the intended buffer or array structure. In this instance, the issue was addressed through improved bounds checking mechanisms, which serve as a fundamental defense against such memory corruption errors by validating indices before allowing write operations to proceed. The absence of these checks previously allowed an application to manipulate memory addresses in ways not anticipated by the system architecture, leading to severe stability and security consequences.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds writes are among the most dangerous classes of vulnerabilities because they can lead to arbitrary code execution if exploited correctly. When an app triggers this flaw, it may cause unexpected system termination due to immediate memory protection faults or kernel panics. More critically, corrupting kernel memory allows for potential privilege escalation attacks where a low-privileged application gains control over high-privilege kernel processes. This compromises the integrity of the entire operating system, as the kernel is responsible for managing hardware resources and enforcing security policies. The ability to write outside allocated bounds means that an attacker could overwrite critical data structures, function pointers, or return addresses within the kernel space, effectively hijacking execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes. If successfully exploited, it can lead to a complete compromise of device confidentiality and integrity. An adversary with local access could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, bypassing standard security mitigations such as sandboxing or app isolation. This is particularly concerning on mobile platforms like iOS and iPadOS where users expect strong application boundaries, but also applies to desktop environments like macOS where system stability is paramount for enterprise deployments. The widespread nature of the fix across multiple operating systems indicates that this flaw existed in shared codebases or common frameworks used by Apple's ecosystem, affecting a broad range of devices from iPhones and iPads to Macs and Apple Watches.
In terms of industry standards classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is categorized under the broader family of memory safety violations. It also relates closely to CWE-120: Buffer Overflow, as both involve writing beyond allocated memory limits. From a tactical standpoint in cyber defense frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, this flaw facilitates techniques associated with Initial Access and Privilege Escalation on macOS or iOS platforms. Specifically, it supports the exploitation of local vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges without user interaction once an app is installed, highlighting the importance of timely patching for endpoint security posture.
Mitigation strategies primarily rely on applying the provided software updates immediately across all affected devices. For enterprise environments, this requires ensuring that mobile device management solutions are configured to push these specific version updates to iOS and iPadOS devices, while macOS systems should be updated via automated update services or manual intervention depending on organizational policies. Developers must also review their codebases for similar patterns of memory access to prevent recurrence, utilizing static analysis tools and fuzzing techniques to detect out-of-bounds conditions during the software development lifecycle. Additionally, enabling runtime security features such as Control Flow Integrity (CFI) and Pointer Authentication Codes (PAC), where supported by hardware, can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts even if similar vulnerabilities exist in unpatched systems.