CVE-2026-112689 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved input validation. 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, tvOS 27.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the core operating systems of Apple devices, specifically affecting iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS environments. This type of defect is categorized under CWE-787: Out-of-Bounds Write in standard security taxonomies, indicating that software writes data to a memory location beyond the intended buffer boundary. The root cause typically involves insufficient validation of input parameters or array indices before they are used for memory allocation or access operations. In this specific instance, Apple addressed the issue by implementing improved input validation mechanisms within the affected system components. These enhancements ensure that any data processed by the kernel or core services is rigorously checked against defined boundaries, thereby preventing unauthorized writes to adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of such a vulnerability is severe due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation. When an application triggers this out-of-bounds write, it can corrupt kernel memory structures that are critical for system stability and security enforcement. This corruption may lead to unexpected system termination, manifesting as crashes or freezes in the affected device. More critically, if the attacker carefully crafts the malicious input to overwrite specific control data within the kernel, they could potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. Kernel-mode execution provides an adversary with complete control over the operating system, allowing them to install malware, steal sensitive user data, disable security features like sandboxing or encryption, and maintain persistent access without detection by standard endpoint protection tools.
From a threat actor perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Specifically, it facilitates T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where an attacker leverages software vulnerabilities to gain higher-level permissions than originally granted. Additionally, the ability to corrupt kernel memory can be used in conjunction with T1562: Impair Defenses, as compromising the integrity of security modules allows attackers to blind or bypass monitoring and detection mechanisms. The fact that this issue requires an app to trigger it suggests a local exploitation vector, meaning the attacker likely needs some form of initial access, such as installing a malicious application on the device. However, given the high privilege level gained upon successful exploitation, even low-privilege apps pose a significant risk if they can be tricked into processing crafted inputs or if their code is compromised by other means.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability rely primarily on timely software updates and robust development practices. Users must immediately update their devices to 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, or tvOS 27.2 to receive the patched code that includes the improved input validation fixes. For developers and organizations managing fleets of these devices, enforcing automated patch management policies is essential to minimize exposure windows. Furthermore, implementing strict app sandboxing rules and monitoring for anomalous kernel behavior can help detect exploitation attempts in real-time. Security teams should also review application source codes for similar out-of-bounds write patterns during static analysis phases to prevent the introduction of analogous flaws into custom or third-party applications that interact with system APIs.