CVE-2026-43661: Processing a maliciously crafted image may corrupt process memory in Apple iOS and iPadOS
CVE-2026-43661 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that occurs when processing a maliciously crafted image, potentially leading to process memory corruption. Apple addressed this issue with improved memory handling in iOS 26. 5 and iPadOS 26. 5, as well as in macOS Tahoe 26. 5, tvOS 26. 5, and watchOS 26. 5. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems but is fixed in the specified versions.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves a buffer overflow triggered by processing a maliciously crafted image on Apple iOS and iPadOS devices. The flaw could corrupt process memory, which may lead to unexpected behavior or potential security risks. Apple resolved the issue by improving memory handling in version 26.5 of iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, tvOS, and watchOS. No CVSS score is provided, and no detailed exploitation techniques or impacts are described beyond memory corruption.
Potential Impact
Processing a maliciously crafted image may corrupt process memory, which could cause application crashes or potentially enable further exploitation depending on the context. No known exploits have been reported in the wild. The impact is limited to affected Apple operating systems prior to version 26.5.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, as well as macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5. Users and administrators should update affected devices to these versions or later to remediate the vulnerability. No additional mitigation guidance is provided or required.
CVE-2026-43661: Processing a maliciously crafted image may corrupt process memory in Apple iOS and iPadOS
Description
CVE-2026-43661 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that occurs when processing a maliciously crafted image, potentially leading to process memory corruption. Apple addressed this issue with improved memory handling in iOS 26. 5 and iPadOS 26. 5, as well as in macOS Tahoe 26. 5, tvOS 26. 5, and watchOS 26. 5. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems but is fixed in the specified versions.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves a buffer overflow triggered by processing a maliciously crafted image on Apple iOS and iPadOS devices. The flaw could corrupt process memory, which may lead to unexpected behavior or potential security risks. Apple resolved the issue by improving memory handling in version 26.5 of iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, tvOS, and watchOS. No CVSS score is provided, and no detailed exploitation techniques or impacts are described beyond memory corruption.
Potential Impact
Processing a maliciously crafted image may corrupt process memory, which could cause application crashes or potentially enable further exploitation depending on the context. No known exploits have been reported in the wild. The impact is limited to affected Apple operating systems prior to version 26.5.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, as well as macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5. Users and administrators should update affected devices to these versions or later to remediate the vulnerability. No additional mitigation guidance is provided or required.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-01T22:46:21.639Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a028769cbff5d86108b6e18
Added to database: 5/12/2026, 1:50:33 AM
Last enriched: 5/12/2026, 2:07:21 AM
Last updated: 5/12/2026, 2:54:11 AM
Views: 2
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.