CVE-2026-112687 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue is fixed in iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2. An attacker on the local network may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt process memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical flaw within the networking stack of Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS versions prior to 27.2. The core technical issue stems from improper handling of network packets that allows an attacker positioned on the same local area network to exploit memory corruption or trigger unexpected system terminations. This type of flaw typically arises when software fails to properly validate input data received over a network connection, leading to buffer overflow conditions or use-after-free scenarios where memory is accessed after it has been freed. Such errors compromise the integrity and availability of the affected device by allowing malicious actors to disrupt normal operations through denial-of-service attacks or potentially execute arbitrary code if the memory corruption can be precisely controlled.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to devices connected to untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots or compromised local networks. An attacker with access to the same network segment can craft specific malicious packets designed to trigger the flaw in the system's networking components. The immediate impact includes unexpected application crashes and potential device instability due to process termination. In more severe cases where memory corruption is successfully exploited, an attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the device or escalate privileges within the operating environment. This undermines the fundamental security guarantees provided by iOS and iPadOS, particularly regarding isolation between processes and protection against remote exploitation via local network vectors.
The remediation strategy employed in this case involved a direct code removal approach rather than patching specific logic errors. By eliminating the vulnerable code paths entirely, Apple ensures that the attack surface associated with these specific functions is no longer accessible to potential attackers. This method of mitigation is often used when certain features or legacy code segments are deemed too risky to maintain securely or have been superseded by more secure alternatives. The fix was deployed across iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, and tvOS 27.2, ensuring consistent protection for all supported devices running these platforms. Users must update their systems immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation, as no workaround exists other than applying the official software patch provided by Apple.
This vulnerability aligns with several well-known industry standards regarding security flaws. It is closely related to CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer and potentially CWE-400 Uncontrolled Resource Consumption if the primary impact is denial-of-service through resource exhaustion or crash loops. In terms of attack tactics, this scenario maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques involving network-based exploitation, specifically those that leverage local network access for initial compromise or disruption. The ability to cause system termination via a single packet stream reflects characteristics often seen in buffer overflow exploits where control flow is hijacked through stack smashing or heap corruption. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of such attacks on their networks and ensure all endpoints are updated to the latest secure versions to prevent exploitation by threat actors targeting mobile infrastructure.