CVE-2026-112491 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds read 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. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes an out-of-bounds read flaw within the processing logic of specific Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This type of memory safety error occurs when a software application reads data from a memory location that lies outside the intended buffer boundaries. In this instance, the root cause was identified as insufficient bounds checking during file parsing operations. When an application processes input files, it must strictly validate indices or offsets to ensure they remain within the allocated memory space for the target buffer. The absence of rigorous validation allowed crafted inputs to trigger access to unauthorized memory regions, a classic manifestation of improper input validation that can lead to unpredictable system behavior.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where software reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. While many modern systems employ mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), an out-of-bounds read can still expose sensitive information contained in adjacent memory locations to the attacker. Although the immediate reported impact is limited to unexpected application termination, which represents a denial of service condition, the underlying mechanism poses significant risks if exploited further. An attacker could potentially leverage this flaw to leak kernel or user-space data, leading to privacy violations or providing intelligence for subsequent exploitation stages such as code execution vulnerabilities that rely on memory disclosure.
The operational impact centers on the stability and reliability of applications handling untrusted file inputs. Processing a maliciously crafted file triggers the vulnerability, resulting in the abrupt termination of the affected application. This denial of service disrupts user workflows and can cause data loss if unsaved work is involved. Furthermore, because this issue affects multiple platforms across Apple's ecosystem, including mobile devices like iPhones and iPads as well as desktop systems running macOS, the attack surface is broad. Users interacting with files from untrusted sources or compromised websites are at risk of triggering these crashes, which degrades the overall user experience and trust in the platform's security posture.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software updates to all affected devices. Apple has addressed this issue by implementing improved bounds checking mechanisms within the file processing components of 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, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2. Administrators should ensure that all endpoints are patched to the latest stable release to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, users should exercise caution when opening files from unknown origins, as defense-in-depth practices such as sandboxing can limit the potential impact of memory corruption vulnerabilities by restricting access to sensitive system resources even if a crash or information leak occurs.