CVE-2026-112486 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, visionOS 27.2. Processing a 3D model may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds write condition within the component responsible for processing three-dimensional models on Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. This type of memory corruption flaw typically arises when a software routine fails to properly validate the size or length of data being written into a pre-allocated buffer before performing the copy operation. In this specific instance, the parsing logic for 3D model files did not adequately enforce boundary constraints, allowing maliciously crafted input to write data beyond the intended memory limits. The issue was resolved through improved bounds checking mechanisms that ensure all write operations remain within the allocated memory space, thereby preventing unauthorized memory access and potential system instability.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds writes are among the most critical classes of software vulnerabilities because they can lead to arbitrary code execution if an attacker can control both the content written and the location in memory where it is placed. While the immediate symptom described is unexpected application termination, which indicates that the vulnerability was likely triggered by a crash handler or guard page protection before full exploitation could occur, such flaws often serve as precursors to more severe exploits. Attackers may attempt to leverage this flaw to overwrite adjacent memory structures, potentially hijacking control flow or executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application. The inclusion of macOS Tahoe and visionOS in the fix list highlights that the vulnerability exists across multiple platforms within Apple's ecosystem, affecting both traditional computing devices and spatial computing hardware.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is primarily characterized by denial of service through application crashes when users or automated systems process specially crafted 3D model files. However, the risk extends beyond simple disruption because memory corruption vulnerabilities are frequently used as entry points for privilege escalation attacks. If an attacker can induce a victim to open a maliciously constructed 3D file within a vulnerable application, they may achieve remote code execution depending on the security context of that application. This is particularly concerning in environments where applications run with elevated privileges or handle sensitive data, such as professional creative software suites used for design and engineering tasks.
Industry standards classify this type of flaw under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which defines a situation where a write operation targets memory outside the bounds of the intended buffer. In terms of attack vectors, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as it relies on tricking a user into processing malicious content that triggers code execution or system compromise within the client application. The fix implemented by Apple addresses the root cause by enforcing stricter validation checks during the parsing phase of 3D model data, ensuring that any input is verified against expected limits before memory allocation and writing occur.
To mitigate this risk, organizations should ensure that all devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or visionOS are updated to the specified patched versions: iOS 26.7.2, iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, and visionOS 27.2. Users should exercise caution when opening 3D model files from untrusted sources and utilize application sandboxing features where available to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempt. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual memory access patterns or unexpected process terminations in applications that handle graphical data, as these may signal attempted exploitation of this vulnerability before patches are applied.