CVE-2026-113945 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the operating system components of Apple's macOS, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS Golden Gate 27.2. This type of flaw typically arises when a software routine attempts to access memory locations that lie outside the intended buffer or array boundaries. In this specific instance, the issue was addressed through improved bounds checking mechanisms, which ensure that data retrieval operations are strictly validated against allocated memory limits before execution proceeds. The absence of such checks in earlier versions allowed for unauthorized read accesses into system memory regions that were not designated for application use.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds reads represent a significant security risk because they can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. When an application triggers this flaw, it may inadvertently retrieve data belonging to other processes or kernel structures. This capability enables potential attackers to extract cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential system states that are not meant to be exposed to user-space applications. The remediation implemented in macOS Golden Gate 27.2 reinforces memory safety by enforcing stricter validation protocols during runtime operations, thereby preventing the execution of invalid memory access instructions and closing the pathway for information leakage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is characterized by both confidentiality risks and potential stability issues within the operating system. While the primary concern is often data exfiltration through side-channel effects or direct memory dumps, the description notes that an app may be able to cause unexpected system termination. This indicates that the out-of-bounds read can also destabilize critical system processes, leading to crashes or denial of service conditions for legitimate users. Such instability undermines the reliability of the computing environment and highlights the importance of robust error handling in low-level system code.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read as a weakness where software reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. In terms of adversary tactics, this flaw could be leveraged within the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to Collection and Exfiltration over Alternative Protocol, specifically involving Memory Dumping or Unsecured Data Transfer if exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or deeper system compromise. Security practitioners should ensure that systems are updated to macOS Golden Gate 27.2 or later versions where these bounds checking improvements are present. Regular patch management is essential to mitigate risks associated with memory safety violations, and developers should adopt secure coding practices that emphasize rigorous input validation and boundary verification during software development lifecycles.