CVE-2026-84620 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
An integer overflow was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, watchOS 27. Processing a maliciously crafted 3D model may lead to memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described involves an integer overflow condition within the processing logic for three-dimensional models on Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Integer overflows occur when a calculation results in a numeric value that exceeds the maximum capacity of the assigned data type, causing it to wrap around to a negative or unexpectedly small positive number. In this specific context, the flaw arises during the parsing or manipulation of maliciously crafted 3D model files. When such a file is processed by the affected software components, the integer arithmetic error leads to incorrect memory allocation calculations. This miscalculation allows an attacker to write data beyond the boundaries of the allocated buffer, resulting in heap-based memory corruption.
This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-190, which defines Integer Overflow or Wraparound. The technical mechanism typically involves a lack of proper bounds checking before performing arithmetic operations on values derived from untrusted input sources such as file headers or geometry data within 3D models. By carefully crafting these inputs to trigger specific overflow conditions, an attacker can manipulate the internal state of the application in ways that were not intended by the developers. The consequence is a violation of memory safety guarantees, which serves as a foundational primitive for more severe security exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. Memory corruption vulnerabilities like heap overflows are frequently exploited to overwrite function pointers or object vtables within the application's memory space. This allows an attacker to redirect program flow and execute malicious shellcode, effectively gaining control over the device. In mobile operating systems such as iOS and iPadOS, this could potentially lead to a sandbox escape if the compromised process has access to sensitive system resources or user data. The risk is particularly acute given that 3D models are increasingly common in augmented reality applications, gaming engines, and professional design software across all supported platforms.
Apple addressed this issue by implementing improved input validation mechanisms within the relevant processing libraries. These enhancements likely include rigorous checks on integer values before they are used for memory allocation or array indexing operations. By validating that calculated sizes do not exceed expected limits and ensuring that indices remain within valid bounds, the system prevents the overflow condition from occurring in the first place. This fix is distributed across multiple operating systems including iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27 to ensure consistent protection across the entire Apple ecosystem.
From a threat intelligence perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution. Attackers often distribute malicious files disguised as legitimate content, such as 3D models or textures, to trick users into opening them within vulnerable applications. Once opened, the exploit code runs in the context of the application, leveraging the memory corruption to achieve initial access and potentially escalate privileges. Defense strategies should focus on keeping all devices updated with the latest security patches provided by Apple. Additionally, organizations deploying 3D content or AR/VR solutions should implement strict input sanitization policies and consider using sandboxed environments for processing untrusted media files to mitigate the risk of exploitation even if similar vulnerabilities exist in other components.