CVE-2026-112553 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds write issue 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. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds write condition that arises from insufficient validation of input data during the processing of specific files within Apple's operating system ecosystem. This type of memory corruption flaw typically occurs when a software application writes data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers, potentially overwriting adjacent memory structures such as heap metadata or other critical variables. The root cause is identified as inadequate bounds checking in the file parsing routines, which fail to verify that input dimensions or lengths conform to expected limits before performing write operations. This lack of rigorous validation allows maliciously crafted files to trigger buffer overflow conditions, leading to arbitrary code execution capabilities if exploited effectively by an attacker with local access or through remote vectors depending on the specific application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability centers on the stability and integrity of affected macOS applications. As noted in the advisory, processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination, indicating that the immediate consequence is often a denial-of-service condition characterized by crashes rather than direct system compromise. However, out-of-bounds writes are inherently dangerous because they can corrupt memory states in ways that facilitate further exploitation. An attacker could potentially leverage this instability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, thereby escalating their access level on the target machine. The severity is compounded by the fact that file processing often occurs automatically or semi-automatically when users open documents, images, or other media types, increasing the attack surface for social engineering tactics where victims are tricked into opening specially constructed files.
This issue has been addressed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2 through improved bounds checking mechanisms within the underlying libraries responsible for file handling. The fix ensures that input data is rigorously validated against predefined limits before any memory allocation or write operation takes place. By implementing stricter boundary checks, Apple has mitigated the risk of buffer overflows associated with these specific file formats. Organizations and individual users should prioritize applying these updates to ensure their systems are protected against potential exploitation attempts. Regular patch management is critical in maintaining a secure posture, as unpatched vulnerabilities remain attractive targets for threat actors seeking to compromise macOS environments through common attack vectors such as phishing campaigns or drive-by downloads involving malicious documents.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which describes the act of writing data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. In terms of tactical mapping within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, such vulnerabilities are often associated with Initial Access techniques like T1566.001: Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers deliver malicious files designed to exploit known software flaws. Additionally, if exploitation leads to code execution, it may relate to Execution techniques such as T1204.002: User Execution: Malicious File. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise that suggest attempts to leverage this specific memory corruption flaw and ensure that endpoint detection systems are updated to recognize patterns associated with buffer overflow exploits targeting macOS file parsers.