CVE-2026-112632 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An uninitialized memory issue was addressed with improved memory handling. 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, visionOS 27.2. Processing a maliciously crafted image may result in disclosure of process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves an uninitialized memory issue within the system's image processing subsystems across multiple Apple operating environments including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. This type of flaw typically arises when software allocates a block of memory for storing data related to image rendering or manipulation but fails to properly initialize that memory before use. In many programming contexts, particularly in systems written in C or C++, allocated heap or stack memory may contain residual data from previous operations performed by other processes or earlier executions within the same process. When this uninitialized memory is subsequently read and processed without being cleared or set to a known default state, it retains these stale values which can inadvertently be exposed to external outputs or network transmissions if not handled correctly.
The core technical flaw lies in the failure of proper memory initialization routines during the handling of image files. Image processing engines often involve complex pipelines where raw pixel data is transformed through various filters and codecs. If a specific code path processes a maliciously crafted image that triggers an error condition, exception handler, or early return before the allocated buffer is fully initialized, the system may proceed to use whatever garbage values reside in that memory segment. This creates a scenario where sensitive information previously stored in that same memory location by other applications or system services remains accessible. The attacker does not need to exploit a logic flaw in the application's business rules but rather relies on the fundamental operating system behavior regarding memory allocation and reuse, which is a common source of high-severity vulnerabilities in multimedia frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows for the disclosure of process memory contents. An attacker who can trick a user into opening or processing a specially crafted image file could potentially extract sensitive data from the victim's device. This disclosed information might include cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, personal identifiable information, or other confidential data currently held in the application's address space at the time of exploitation. Because this affects core system components like iOS and macOS, the attack surface is broad, impacting a vast number of devices globally. The ability to read arbitrary memory from privileged processes can serve as an initial foothold for more complex attacks, potentially leading to full device compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities or used in conjunction with privilege escalation techniques.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-457 which describes the use of uninitialized variables and CWE-200 concerning exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. In terms of adversary tactics, it relates to ATT&CK technique T1005 Data from Local System as it involves gathering data directly from memory without necessarily executing code in a traditional sense but rather leveraging system behavior to leak existing data. The fix implemented by Apple addresses this by ensuring that all allocated buffers are explicitly zeroed or initialized before being used for image processing operations, thereby eliminating the possibility of leaking stale data regardless of what previously occupied that memory space.
To mitigate such risks, developers must adhere strictly to secure coding practices that mandate explicit initialization of all variables and memory blocks upon allocation. Static analysis tools should be employed during development to detect paths where uninitialized values might escape into output streams or network packets. For end-users, the primary mitigation is timely installation of security updates as provided by Apple in versions 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, and visionOS 27.2. These updates contain the necessary patches to correct the memory handling logic within the image processing libraries. Additionally, organizations should enforce policies that restrict the opening of untrusted media files on corporate devices and utilize sandboxing technologies where possible to limit the blast radius if such an exploit were attempted against patched or unpached systems in transitional periods.