---
id: "CVE-2026-86971"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86971"]
title: "Apple iOS and macOS: malicious image crashes apps via out-of-bounds write"
severity: "low"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple", "infrastructure", "ios", "ipados", "macos", "visionos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:35+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:37+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86971", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# Apple iOS and macOS: malicious image crashes apps via out-of-bounds write

An out-of-bounds write in Apple's image processing lets a maliciously crafted image terminate the app that opens it. The sources describe only an unexpected app termination, not code execution.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the device OS version in Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS) or About This Mac (macOS) against the fixed versions below
- unknown for any other check

## Fix

- Update iOS and iPadOS to `26.7.2` or `27.2`
- Update macOS Tahoe to `26.7.2`, macOS Sequoia to `15.8.2`, and macOS Golden Gate to `27.2`
- Update visionOS to `27.2`

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86971

## From the sources

An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. 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, visionOS 27.2. Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to unexpected app termination.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_