CVE-2026-28981: Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution in Apple macOS
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-28981 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple macOS related to image processing. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by processing a specially crafted image file. Apple fixed this issue by improving bounds checking in the affected components. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, and Tahoe 26.6. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected macOS system, potentially allowing an attacker to gain control over the system or execute malicious code. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with high severity. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. Users and administrators should update affected macOS installations to these versions or later to remediate this vulnerability. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory stating the issue is fixed in these versions.
CVE-2026-28981: Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution in Apple macOS
Description
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Apple
macOS
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-28981 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple macOS related to image processing. The flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by processing a specially crafted image file. Apple fixed this issue by improving bounds checking in the affected components. The vulnerability affects macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, and Tahoe 26.6. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected macOS system, potentially allowing an attacker to gain control over the system or execute malicious code. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with high severity. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. Users and administrators should update affected macOS installations to these versions or later to remediate this vulnerability. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory stating the issue is fixed in these versions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-03T16:36:03.993Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a67c1b29c2644c7f8cb0da2
Added to database: 07/27/2026, 20:38:10 UTC
Last enriched: 07/29/2026, 21:38:42 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 20:02:29 UTC
Views: 41
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