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.
Published: 2026-07-27
Score: 7.8 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

Based on the description, a buffer overflow was identified in the image processing component of macOS. The issue arises whenever a maliciously crafted image is processed, allowing an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during image parsing, a classic buffer overflow weakness.

Affected Systems

Apple macOS systems are impacted, specifically versions that have not yet applied the security updates that introduce enhanced bounds checking. The fixes are delivered in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6, meaning earlier releases in these macOS lineups are vulnerable.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.8 demonstrates high severity, and the EPSS score of less than 1% indicates a low but non‑zero exploitation probability. Nevertheless, arbitrary code execution remains a severe risk, especially on systems with unpatched image processing libraries. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, but enterprises should still consider it a priority because of its potential impact.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 4, 2026 at 13:41 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, or Tahoe 26.6 update to receive the fixed image‑processing code.
  • If an immediate update is not possible, restrict the execution of untrusted or externally sourced images and consider tightening access controls around image‑handling services.
  • Disable or quarantine any legacy image‑processing utilities that might use the vulnerable parsing routine until they can be patched or replaced.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 4, 2026 at 13:41 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Arbitrary Code Execution via Buffer Overflow in macOS Image Processing

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Arbitrary Code Execution via Buffer Overflow in macOS Image Processing

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-120
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple macos
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple macos

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
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.
References

cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: apple

Published:

Updated: 2026-07-29T03:55:27.560Z

Reserved: 2026-03-03T16:36:03.993Z

Link: CVE-2026-28981

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-07-28T14:14:37.387Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-07-27T21:16:50.650

Modified: 2026-07-29T05:16:44.250

Link: CVE-2026-28981

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-04T13:45:03Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-120

    Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')