CVE-2026-112658 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
This issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves a failure in proper input validation within the operating system's application framework, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, and macOS environments prior to version 27.2. In secure software architecture, input validation serves as a critical defense mechanism that ensures all data received from external sources or user interactions conforms to expected formats, types, and constraints. When this validation is insufficient or bypassed, the application may process malformed or unexpected inputs in ways that expose internal state or sensitive information. This specific flaw allows an unauthorized application to access sensitive user data that should remain isolated within its own sandbox environment. The root cause lies in the system's failure to rigorously sanitize and verify input parameters before they are processed by core services, leading to a breakdown in the intended security boundaries between applications.
From a technical perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, which encompasses scenarios where software does not adequately validate or incorrectly validates input that could affect control flow, resource management, or data integrity. In mobile and desktop operating systems like iOS and macOS, apps operate within strict sandboxing models designed to prevent one application from accessing the data of another without explicit permission. However, when an app exploits a validation flaw in system-level APIs or shared services, it can bypass these restrictions. The attacker likely crafted specific inputs that triggered unintended code paths or exposed memory contents containing user credentials, personal identifiable information, or other protected assets. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages trusted system components to escalate privileges effectively, allowing the malicious app to read data outside its designated scope without triggering standard permission prompts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for end-users and enterprise environments alike. An application capable of accessing sensitive user data can lead to severe privacy violations, including the exposure of contact lists, location history, messages, or financial information stored locally on the device. For organizations deploying managed iOS or macOS devices, such a flaw poses a risk of corporate data leakage if personal apps inadvertently access work-related files due to shared storage paths or misconfigured entitlements. Furthermore, this type of vulnerability can serve as an initial foothold for more complex attacks, where stolen credentials are used for phishing campaigns or account takeovers on linked online services. The lack of immediate detection mechanisms means that users may remain unaware their data has been exfiltrated until significant damage occurs, highlighting the critical need for robust input handling in system-level code.
To mitigate this risk, it is imperative to apply the provided software updates immediately. Apple has addressed these issues by enhancing input validation routines within iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and macOS Golden Gate 27.2. These patches likely involve stricter type checking, boundary verification, and sanitization of inputs passed between application processes and system services. Developers should also review their own applications to ensure they are not relying on potentially vulnerable system behaviors for security decisions. Implementing defense-in-depth strategies, such as least privilege principles and regular code audits focusing on CWE-20 patterns, can further reduce exposure. Additionally, users should maintain up-to-date operating systems and install updates promptly when released by the vendor to close known gaps in input validation logic that could be exploited by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information.