CVE-2026-112488 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. 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 Tahoe 26.7.2, visionOS 27.2. Processing a maliciously crafted image may corrupt process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves a buffer overflow condition within the system's image processing subsystems across multiple Apple operating environments including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. Buffer overflows occur when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer in memory, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. In this specific instance, the flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking or improper memory handling logic during the parsing or rendering of image files. When an application processes a maliciously crafted image file designed to exploit these boundary conditions, it can trigger the overflow, leading to corruption of process memory. This type of vulnerability is classically categorized under CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input and often relates to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write depending on whether data is written beyond a buffer or into an adjacent structure.
The operational impact of this flaw is significant because it allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. If an attacker can convince a user to open a specially crafted image file, they may achieve remote code execution without requiring additional authentication. This could lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or installation of persistent malware. The vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and potentially T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if the overflow is leveraged to execute further payloads within the compromised process context. Given that image processing functions are frequently invoked by system services, web browsers, messaging applications, and photo management tools, the attack surface is broad and accessible through various vectors including email attachments, social media links, or malicious websites hosting exploit kits.
Apple has addressed this issue in recent updates for iOS 26.7.2, iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, and visionOS 27.2 by implementing improved memory handling mechanisms. These fixes likely involve stricter validation of input dimensions, enhanced bounds checking during buffer allocation or copy operations, and potentially the use of safer programming constructs that prevent out-of-bounds writes. The remediation ensures that malformed image data is rejected before it can corrupt system memory structures.
To mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability until systems are fully patched, users should exercise caution when opening image files from untrusted sources. Employing application whitelisting and keeping all software up to date reduces the likelihood of successful exploitation. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual process behavior or unexpected memory access patterns in environments where these operating systems are deployed. Regular security audits focusing on input validation practices within custom applications that handle image data can also help prevent similar issues from arising in third-party software.