CVE-2026-28846 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/12/2026
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected app termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that was resolved through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within Apple's operating systems. The flaw existed in the foundational memory management routines that govern how applications process data inputs, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit memory boundaries and potentially disrupt application execution. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS, indicating a systemic issue within the underlying operating system architecture rather than isolated application-level problems. The fix implemented by Apple involves strengthening the boundary checking protocols that validate memory access limits, preventing unauthorized data writes beyond allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions in stack-based memory allocations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through legitimate system tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. While the current disclosure indicates that remote attackers can cause unexpected app termination, buffer overflow vulnerabilities of this nature often serve as entry points for more severe exploits including privilege escalation, code execution, and system compromise. The fact that the issue affects multiple platform versions suggests a widespread exposure across Apple's ecosystem, requiring coordinated patch management across all supported devices. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly benign network communications, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users interact with untrusted network content. The remote exploit capability places this vulnerability in the high-risk category according to industry threat models, as it requires no physical access to target devices and can be triggered through network-based attacks.
Apple's remediation approach focuses on strengthening the fundamental memory safety mechanisms within their operating systems, implementing more rigorous bounds checking procedures that validate data input lengths against allocated memory buffers. The patched versions demonstrate Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety vulnerabilities through architectural improvements rather than simple workarounds. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all affected platforms, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be exposed to network-based attacks. The vulnerability's resolution through enhanced bounds checking aligns with modern security practices that emphasize proactive memory safety measures rather than reactive patching approaches. Security teams should monitor for any potential exploitation attempts during the transition period and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix also reinforces Apple's ongoing security improvements in response to evolving threat landscapes and demonstrates the importance of continuous security validation in complex operating system environments.