CVE-2026-112659 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A type confusion issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in Safari 27.2, iOS 26.7.2 and iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, visionOS 27.2. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described is a classic type confusion flaw within the JavaScript engine of Safari and related Apple operating systems. Type confusion occurs when an application incorrectly assumes that a variable or object belongs to one data type, while it actually contains another. In this specific instance, the issue stems from improper memory handling during the processing of web content. When the browser parses maliciously crafted scripts, it fails to correctly validate the types of objects being manipulated in memory. This lack of strict type checking allows an attacker to trick the engine into treating a pointer or data structure as a different type than intended, leading to undefined behavior that can be exploited for significant security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution on the affected device. By exploiting the memory corruption resulting from the type confusion, an attacker could execute malicious instructions with the privileges of the user running the browser. This effectively compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as the attacker gains control over the application's execution flow. Such exploits are often used to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish a foothold for further lateral movement within a network if the compromised device is connected to one. The fact that this issue affects multiple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS highlights its critical nature across Apple's ecosystem.
From an industry standards perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-843: Access of Incorrect Memory Location as Type Confusion. This classification emphasizes the fundamental error in how memory is interpreted by the software logic. Furthermore, from a tactical standpoint related to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit technique falls under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution. Attackers typically deliver such vulnerabilities through maliciously crafted web content hosted on compromised or attacker-controlled websites. When a user visits these sites, the browser automatically processes the code in the background without requiring explicit user interaction beyond loading the page, making it an effective vector for drive-by download attacks.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the software updates provided by Apple. The vulnerability has been addressed in Safari 27.2 and corresponding versions of iOS 26.7.2, iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, and visionOS 27.2. Users should ensure their devices are updated to these patched versions immediately to close the security gap. In addition to patching, organizations can implement web content filtering solutions that block access to known malicious domains or sites hosting exploit kits. Enabling automatic updates where possible ensures that critical security patches are applied promptly without relying on manual intervention from end-users. Security awareness training should also emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites, although technical controls remain the most effective defense against such automated exploitation attempts.