CVE-2026-113944 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or read kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the operating system's core components, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS Golden Gate 27.2. This type of flaw typically arises when a software routine accesses data at a memory address that lies outside the intended buffer boundary. In this instance, the issue was addressed through improved bounds checking mechanisms, which ensure that any access to kernel or system memory is validated against predefined limits before execution proceeds. The absence of such checks previously allowed an application to trigger unintended behavior by requesting data from invalid memory locations.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds reads are classified under CWE-125, which denotes Out-of-bounds Read. This weakness occurs when software reads past the end or beginning of a buffer, potentially exposing sensitive information that was not intended for public access. In the context of macOS and other modern operating systems, such vulnerabilities often reside in kernel-space code where memory isolation is critical for system stability and security. When bounds checking fails, an attacker can exploit this gap to read arbitrary kernel memory contents. This capability undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege by allowing user-level applications to窥探 privileged data structures that should remain inaccessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to its potential for both information disclosure and system instability. An malicious application could leverage this flaw to extract sensitive kernel memory, which may contain cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other high-value secrets essential for maintaining the integrity of the operating environment. Furthermore, accessing invalid memory addresses can lead to unexpected system termination, commonly manifested as a crash or panic. This denial-of-service effect disrupts normal operations and can cause data loss if unsaved work is involved. The ability to read kernel memory also serves as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, such as privilege escalation, where an attacker gains higher-level permissions by analyzing the exposed memory layout.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to Discovery and Collection. Specifically, it relates to techniques involving Memory Dumping or Credential Access through unauthorized memory reads. By exploiting this flaw, an adversary can gather intelligence about the system configuration and security mechanisms without triggering immediate alarms associated with more aggressive intrusion attempts. The successful exploitation requires local access to execute a malicious app, but once achieved, the consequences extend beyond the scope of that single application session.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software update, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, which incorporates the necessary fixes for bounds checking. Organizations and individual users should ensure their systems are patched promptly to close this security gap. Additionally, implementing strict code signing policies can help prevent unauthorized or unverified applications from executing on the system, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Regular auditing of application permissions and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns can also provide early detection indicators if such vulnerabilities were present in older versions. Maintaining up-to-date security patches remains the most effective defense against these types of low-level memory corruption flaws.