CVE-2026-112508 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or read kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the operating system's core components, specifically addressed through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms in recent updates for macOS platforms including Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, and Tahoe 26.7.2. This type of flaw typically arises when a software routine accesses memory locations that lie outside the intended buffer boundaries, often due to insufficient validation of input parameters or loop counters before performing memory access operations. In the context of macOS kernel-level code, such errors can have severe consequences because they allow an application running with standard user privileges to interact with sensitive system resources in unintended ways. The root cause is classified under CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read as a situation where software reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service conditions depending on how the accessed memory contents are utilized by the application logic.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to exploit the flaw by crafting specific inputs that trigger the erroneous memory access sequence. When triggered, the system may respond in one of two primary ways: either causing unexpected termination of critical processes or services, which results in a denial of service condition for users and applications relying on those components, or allowing the reading of kernel memory contents. Reading kernel memory is particularly dangerous as it can expose sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, process identifiers, or other confidential information stored within the operating system's protected address space. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1008, which covers Data from Information Repositories, and potentially T1562, Impair Defenses, if the exploitation leads to instability that hinders security monitoring tools. The ability to read arbitrary kernel memory also lays the groundwork for further privilege escalation attacks, as disclosed information can be used to bypass existing security controls or identify additional attack vectors within the system architecture.
The mitigation strategy implemented in the specified macOS versions focuses on rigorous input validation and boundary verification before any memory access operation is executed. By improving bounds checking, Apple ensures that array indices, pointer offsets, and buffer lengths are validated against their declared limits prior to dereferencing them. This defensive programming practice prevents the processor from fetching data from unauthorized memory regions, thereby neutralizing both the information disclosure risk and the potential for system instability caused by accessing invalid or protected memory pages. Administrators and end-users should ensure that all affected macOS devices are updated to at least the mentioned patch levels to close this security gap. Regular application of these updates is critical as out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities in kernel space remain a high-value target for attackers seeking to gain deeper access into enterprise environments or compromise user privacy through data exfiltration.