CVE-2026-112604 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 Tahoe 26.7.2. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition that was resolved through the implementation of improved bounds checking mechanisms within the affected software components. This type of flaw typically arises when a program accesses memory locations beyond the allocated boundaries for a specific data structure, such as an array or buffer. In this instance, the processing of maliciously crafted files triggers the erroneous memory access pattern because the input validation logic fails to adequately verify that requested indices or offsets remain within the valid range of the associated data structures. The resolution involves enhancing the internal checks to ensure that any read operation is strictly confined to pre-allocated and validated memory regions, thereby preventing unauthorized access to adjacent memory blocks.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds reads are classified under CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration standard, which defines this category as reading data past the end or before the beginning of an intended buffer. This vulnerability class is particularly dangerous because it can lead to information disclosure if the accessed memory contains sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or internal application state that was not intended for external exposure. Furthermore, depending on how the operating system handles these illegal memory accesses and whether specific mitigations like Address Space Layout Randomization are bypassed, there is a potential risk of code execution, although in this specific case, the primary observed impact is stability-related rather than direct exploitation leading to remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability centers on application reliability and system integrity. As noted in the advisory, processing maliciously crafted files may lead to unexpected app termination. This indicates that the flaw primarily affects the availability aspect of security by causing crashes or denial-of-service conditions when users attempt to open specially constructed documents or media files within applications susceptible to this bug. While immediate code execution is not confirmed as a direct consequence in all scenarios, the instability introduced can disrupt workflows and potentially serve as an initial vector for more complex attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities such as heap corruption issues that might arise from subsequent memory management operations following the out-of-bounds read.
In terms of threat modeling, this vulnerability aligns with techniques observed in ATT&CK framework related to Initial Access via Exploit Public-Facing Application or potentially Defense Evasion through Obfuscated Files if attackers use crafted files to bypass security controls before triggering the crash. Attackers could leverage these malformed inputs as part of a broader campaign where they test multiple vectors against target systems, using crashes to fingerprint software versions or trigger secondary exploitation paths in less hardened environments. The ability to cause an application to terminate unexpectedly can also be used for resource exhaustion attacks if automated scripts repeatedly send crafted payloads to targeted services.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided updates from Apple, specifically macOS Golden Gate 27.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, which contain the necessary code patches to enforce strict bounds checking during file processing operations. Organizations should ensure that all endpoints running these operating systems are updated promptly to eliminate this attack surface. Additionally, users should exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources, as even with mitigations in place, defense-in-depth principles suggest limiting exposure to potentially malicious inputs through sandboxing or restricted user privileges where feasible. Security teams should also monitor for any indicators of compromise that might indicate attempts to exploit similar flaws in other applications on the system, ensuring comprehensive protection against memory corruption vulnerabilities.