CVE-2026-112522 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. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes an out-of-bounds write condition within the software processing logic of Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, and various iterations of macOS such as Sequoia and Tahoe. This type of memory corruption flaw arises when a program writes data to a buffer beyond its allocated boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures that are critical for application stability or system integrity. The root cause is identified as insufficient bounds checking during the parsing or handling of input files, which allows maliciously crafted inputs to trigger this erroneous write operation rather than being rejected by proper validation routines.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds writes are among the most dangerous classes of memory safety vulnerabilities because they can lead to arbitrary code execution if an attacker can control both the content and location of the overwritten data. In many cases, such flaws allow for heap corruption or stack smashing, which attackers leverage to hijack program flow by overwriting return addresses or function pointers. Although the immediate symptom described is unexpected application termination, this indicates that memory integrity has been compromised in a way that triggers crash handlers or segmentation faults before exploitation can fully complete. However, the potential severity extends far beyond simple denial of service, as sophisticated attackers may utilize techniques to stabilize the corrupted state and achieve remote code execution with elevated privileges depending on the context in which the vulnerable component operates.
The operational impact centers on the reliability and security of applications that process external files. Users who open documents or media files from untrusted sources face a heightened risk of application crashes, leading to data loss or interrupted workflows. More critically, if this vulnerability exists within system-level services rather than just user-space applications, it could potentially be exploited for privilege escalation or persistent compromise. The fact that multiple major operating systems are affected suggests the flaw resides in shared core libraries or frameworks used across Apple's ecosystem, amplifying the scope of potential exposure and necessitating coordinated patching efforts across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms to ensure comprehensive protection.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software updates which implement improved bounds checking mechanisms. These patches likely introduce rigorous validation checks before memory allocation or during data processing phases to ensure that write operations remain strictly within predefined limits. Organizations should prioritize deploying these updates on all managed devices to close this attack vector. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and restricting file type associations can reduce the likelihood of triggering such vulnerabilities in production environments. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to memory corruption events or unusual process terminations that might signal attempted exploitation activities against unpatched systems.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions resulting from improper validation of input boundaries. In the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw could be leveraged during initial access or execution phases if an attacker successfully crafts a malicious file to trigger code execution through memory corruption techniques such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming. The fix emphasizes the importance of robust defensive coding practices and automated static analysis tools that can detect boundary violations before software deployment. Continuous monitoring and timely patch management remain essential defenses against exploitation of these persistent classes of vulnerabilities in complex operating system environments.