CVE-2026-112526 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A buffer overflow 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. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a buffer overflow condition within the operating system's software components, specifically addressed through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms in recent updates for macOS Golden Gate version 27.2, macOS Sequoia version 15.8.2, and macOS Tahoe version 26.7.2. A buffer overflow occurs when a program or process attempts to write more data into a fixed-length block of memory than it is allocated to hold. This mismatch between the input size and the destination buffer's capacity leads to adjacent memory locations being overwritten with unintended data. In this specific instance, the flaw likely resides in how the system handles incoming requests or processes external inputs without sufficiently validating their length against predefined limits before copying them into internal buffers. The remediation strategy employed by Apple involves implementing stricter boundary checks that verify whether the input size exceeds the allocated buffer space prior to any memory write operations, thereby preventing the overflow from occurring and preserving the integrity of adjacent memory structures.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-120, which classifies buffer copy without checking limits for improper restriction of operations within a specific context. The absence of adequate bounds checking allows an attacker to manipulate the flow of execution or corrupt data in ways that can destabilize the application hosting the vulnerable component. While the immediate impact described is limited to unexpected application termination, this represents a denial-of-service condition where legitimate users are prevented from accessing services due to crashes induced by maliciously crafted inputs. In more severe scenarios involving similar buffer overflow flaws, such as those categorized under CWE-787 or CWE-122 depending on whether the overwrite affects stack-based or heap-based memory respectively, attackers could potentially achieve arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. However, in this specific report, the primary consequence is restricted to service disruption through process termination rather than full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability centers on availability and reliability for users running affected macOS versions. A remote attacker can trigger the flaw by sending specially crafted network packets or data streams that exceed expected buffer limits within the targeted application component. Upon processing these oversized inputs, the application encounters a critical error leading to an abrupt exit or crash. This results in interrupted workflows, loss of unsaved work for end-users, and potential degradation of system stability if multiple instances are affected simultaneously. Although the current description does not indicate remote code execution capabilities, such vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones in attack chains where subsequent exploitation techniques might leverage memory corruption to bypass security controls like Address Space Layout Randomization or Data Execution Prevention. Therefore, even a denial-of-service outcome warrants prompt attention due to its potential role in broader offensive strategies against macOS environments.
Mitigation requires immediate deployment of the provided software updates across all affected systems. Administrators should prioritize patching macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, and Tahoe 26.7.2 to ensure that improved bounds checking logic is active within the relevant components. Beyond applying patches, organizations should implement network-level monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns indicative of buffer overflow attempts, such as unusually large payloads directed at specific service ports or endpoints known to process external data. Additionally, enforcing strict input validation policies in custom applications and leveraging compiler-based security features like stack canaries and control flow integrity where applicable can provide defense-in-depth measures against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability scanning and adherence to secure coding standards referenced by industry frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten will further reduce exposure to these types of flaws over time.