CVE-2026-116261 libimobiledevice CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for systems or applications that use libimobiledevice should assess exposure to remote attacks and verify the version of libimobiledevice in use. This includes teams managing mobile device management systems, as well as developers integrating libimobiledevice into their applications. Given the low CVSS score, prioritization should be based on the specific use cases and potential impact within the organization, focusing on remote or un

Why it matters

CVE-2026-116261 is a low-severity vulnerability in libimobiledevice up to 1.4.0 that allows remote attackers to read out-of-bounds data. Defenders should verify their version of libimobiledevice and assess exposure to remote attacks.

• Verify the version of libimobiledevice in use to determine exposure
• Assess the risk of remote attacks on systems or applications that use libimobiledevice

Technical summary

The vulnerability is located in the afc_file_open function of the src/afc.c file in the AFC File Handler component of libimobiledevice up to 1.4.0. The manipulation of the argument bytes leads to out-of-bounds read. The attack can be initiated remotely. This issue is particularly relevant for defenders responsible for systems or applications that utilize libimobiledevice, as it could allow attackers to read sensitive data remotely. The exploit has been disclosed publicly, but details on its reliability or effectiveness are not provided.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying the version of libimobiledevice in use and assessing exposure to remote attacks. Remediation priority is low due to the low CVSS score.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify the version of libimobiledevice in use
• Assess exposure to remote attacks
• Consider updating to a version of libimobiledevice that is not vulnerable
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide limited information about the vulnerability. The vendor did not respond to the disclosure. The exploit has been disclosed publicly, but there is no information on its reliability or effectiveness.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.