CVE-2026-28952 Overview
CVE-2026-28952 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a malicious application to trigger unexpected system termination, resulting in a denial-of-service condition. Apple addressed the issue through improved input validation in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, and macOS Tahoe 26.5.
Critical Impact
An application running on a vulnerable device can cause unexpected system termination, disrupting availability of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS endpoints.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS (prior to 18.7.9)
- Apple iPadOS (prior to 18.7.9)
- Apple macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, and Tahoe (prior to 15.7.7, 14.8.7, and 26.5 respectively)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-11 - CVE-2026-28952 published to NVD
- 2026-05-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-28952
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an integer overflow classified under [CWE-190]. Apple's advisory states the issue was addressed with improved input validation, indicating that untrusted numeric input was used in arithmetic operations without sufficient bounds checking. When the calculated value exceeds the maximum representable integer, the result wraps around and produces a value the surrounding code does not expect.
The practical consequence is unexpected system termination. An application running on the device can supply crafted input that drives an internal operation across the integer boundary, leading to a kernel or system service panic. Confidentiality and integrity are not impacted, but availability is fully impacted on the affected device.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of integer values before they are used in size, length, or offset calculations. Without proper input validation, arithmetic on attacker-controlled values overflows the underlying integer type. Subsequent code paths consume the wrapped value and reach an inconsistent state that aborts execution.
Attack Vector
The CVSS vector lists a network attack vector, but exploitation requires a malicious application on the device to trigger the affected code path. The attacker does not need privileges or user interaction beyond installing or running the application. There is no public proof-of-concept and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog at the time of publication.
No verified exploitation code is publicly available. Refer to the Apple Support advisories for vendor-supplied technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-28952
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexplained kernel panics or sudden device restarts on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS endpoints running pre-patch versions.
- Crash reports referencing arithmetic overflow or input validation failures in system components.
- Installation of unsigned or untrusted applications immediately preceding system termination events.
Detection Strategies
- Collect and review macOS DiagnosticReports and iOS crash logs for repeated panics correlated to a specific application bundle identifier.
- Inventory device OS versions and flag systems running builds older than iOS/iPadOS 18.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, Sonoma 14.8.7, or Tahoe 26.5.
- Monitor MDM telemetry for abnormal reboot rates following application installs from outside the App Store.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Apple endpoint crash and reboot telemetry into a centralized analytics or SIEM platform for trend analysis.
- Alert on clusters of system terminations originating from the same application or process across multiple devices.
- Track patch compliance through MDM reporting and prioritize devices that remain on vulnerable OS builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-28952
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected devices to iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, or macOS Tahoe 26.5.
- Enforce patch deployment through MDM policies and verify compliance across the fleet.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications and review enterprise app distribution channels.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, and macOS Tahoe 26.5. Vendor detail is published in Apple Support Article #127111, Article #127115, Article #127116, and Article #127117.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching is the supported remediation path.
- Limit application installation to vetted App Store or MDM-distributed software until patches are applied.
- Apply Lockdown Mode on high-risk iOS and macOS devices to reduce the attack surface available to malicious applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
