CVE-2026-112546 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, watchOS 27.2. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the software components of Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS versions listed in the advisory. An out-of-bounds read occurs when a program attempts to access memory locations that lie outside the intended buffer boundaries. This type of flaw typically arises from insufficient validation of input data or incorrect calculation of array indices during file processing operations. In this specific instance, the issue was addressed by implementing improved bounds checking mechanisms within the affected code paths. These enhancements ensure that any attempt to read data beyond the allocated memory space is detected and prevented before it can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information or system instability.
The operational impact of exploiting an out-of-bounds read vulnerability can vary significantly depending on the context and the specific implementation details, which are often not fully disclosed in public advisories. In many cases, such vulnerabilities allow attackers to leak memory contents that may contain confidential data, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive information residing in adjacent memory regions. However, as noted in the provided description, processing a maliciously crafted file can lead to unexpected app termination. This indicates that while exploitation might result in denial of service through application crashes, it could also potentially be leveraged for more severe attacks if additional conditions are met, such as achieving arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation, although these outcomes depend on further environmental factors and mitigation layers present in the system.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifiers related to improper input validation and memory safety violations. Specifically, it corresponds to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which describes situations where software reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. In terms of attack vectors, this flaw could be exploited through techniques categorized under MITRE ATT&CK frameworks related to collection and discovery phases, particularly if memory leakage is achieved. Attackers might craft specific file formats that trigger the flawed parsing logic within system services or applications responsible for handling media files, documents, or other data types processed by the vulnerable components.
Mitigation strategies primarily rely on applying the software updates provided by Apple across all affected platforms. Users and administrators should ensure their devices are running 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, visionOS 27.2, or watchOS 27.2 to benefit from the fixed bounds checking logic. Beyond patching, defense-in-depth measures such as enabling sandboxing for applications that process untrusted files can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, employing input validation at application entry points and utilizing compiler-based security features like stack protectors or address space layout randomization can further reduce the risk associated with memory corruption vulnerabilities in legacy codebases until full remediation is achieved through updates.