CVE-2026-112485 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in 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. Processing a maliciously crafted 3D model may lead to memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical flaw in the processing of three-dimensional graphics data within Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The root cause lies in improper memory handling during the parsing or rendering of maliciously crafted 3D model files. When an application processes such a file, it fails to correctly validate input boundaries or manage allocated memory buffers, leading to conditions where data is written beyond the intended limits of a buffer. This type of error typically results in heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free scenarios, which are among the most dangerous classes of software vulnerabilities due to their potential for arbitrary code execution.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input and potentially CWE-416 Use After Free if the corruption involves dereferencing freed memory pointers. The attack vector requires an attacker to deliver a specially constructed 3D model file to the victim. This could be achieved through various means, such as embedding the malicious asset in a website accessed via Safari or other web browsers that utilize WebKit for rendering graphics content, distributing it as part of a compromised application bundle, or sending it directly through messaging applications if they support previewing 3D assets like .usdz files. The exploitation does not necessarily require user interaction beyond opening the file, depending on how the associated viewer handles automatic parsing and memory allocation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. In mobile environments where applications often run in sandboxed containers, a successful exploit could potentially allow for container escape if additional vulnerabilities are chained together, leading to full device compromise. On macOS and visionOS platforms, where higher-level system services may interact with graphics processing units or handle sensitive user data through augmented reality features, the impact extends beyond individual application security to potential breaches of privacy and integrity of core operating system functions. Attackers could leverage this memory corruption to install malware, steal credentials, or establish persistent access on affected devices.
Apple has addressed this issue by improving memory handling mechanisms within the relevant frameworks responsible for processing 3D models. These improvements likely include stricter input validation, enhanced bounds checking during buffer operations, and potentially the implementation of modern security mitigations such as pointer authentication codes (PAC) on ARM-based architectures to make exploitation more difficult even if a vulnerability exists. The fix is included in iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2.
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability before updating to a patched version, users should exercise caution when opening 3D model files from untrusted sources. Disabling automatic previewing of such assets in messaging applications or web browsers can reduce the attack surface. Furthermore, enabling system-level protections like App Sandbox and ensuring that all security updates are applied promptly is essential for maintaining device integrity. From a defensive standpoint, organizations should monitor network traffic for unusual requests related to 3D asset delivery and ensure that endpoint detection and response solutions are configured to detect anomalous memory access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous input validation in graphics processing libraries and highlights the continuous evolution of attack techniques targeting multimedia parsing engines as documented in various ATT&CK tactics involving initial access and execution phases.