CVE-2026-43664 Overview
CVE-2026-43664 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a locally installed application to access sensitive user data due to insufficient data protection controls. Apple addressed the issue with improved data protection mechanisms across its product line.
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-200] (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, limiting remote attack scenarios but posing risk on shared or compromised devices.
Critical Impact
A malicious application installed on an affected Apple device can bypass data protection controls and read sensitive user data without authorization.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 26.7 and 27)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.8), macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.7), and macOS Golden Gate (prior to 27)
- Apple tvOS (prior to 27) and watchOS (prior to 27)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-43664 published to NVD
- 2026-09-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43664
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-43664 stems from insufficient data protection enforcement in Apple's operating system components. An application running on the device can query or read data that should be restricted by sandboxing or entitlement controls. The result is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information to an app that would normally lack access.
Apple's advisory describes the fix as "improved data protection," which typically indicates tightened access checks, expanded sandbox restrictions, or corrected entitlement handling. The vulnerability affects confidentiality only, with no integrity or availability impact reported.
Root Cause
The root cause is inadequate access control on data protected by the operating system. The affected code path permits an application to reach sensitive user data without the required authorization boundary being enforced. Apple's remediation addresses the missing checks and hardens data protection APIs across shared components used by iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to deliver a malicious application to the target device and induce user interaction to run it. Once executed with normal user privileges, the app can read sensitive data outside its intended sandbox. The attack does not require elevated privileges or network access, but it is limited to local execution contexts.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or CISA KEV listing is available for this issue at time of writing. Verified technical details are limited to Apple's advisories referenced below.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43664
Indicators of Compromise
- Installation of applications from outside official app distribution channels on affected devices.
- Unexpected access patterns to protected user data containers or system files by non-system processes.
- Applications requesting or exercising entitlements inconsistent with their declared functionality.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory managed Apple endpoints and identify devices running OS builds older than iOS/iPadOS 26.7, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, or the version 27 releases.
- Use mobile device management (MDM) reporting to enumerate installed applications and flag unsigned or side-loaded binaries.
- Correlate application execution telemetry with access to sensitive directories or keychains for anomaly review.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable centralized logging from macOS endpoints and forward unified logs to a security data lake for retrospective analysis.
- Monitor MDM compliance dashboards for devices that fail to install the patched OS versions within a defined SLA.
- Review App Store and enterprise deployment logs for newly introduced applications requesting broad data access.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43664
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, macOS Golden Gate 27, tvOS 27, or watchOS 27 as applicable.
- Enforce OS version compliance through MDM policies and quarantine non-compliant devices from sensitive resources.
- Audit installed third-party applications and remove any that are unnecessary or untrusted.
Patch Information
Apple published fixes in the OS releases listed above. Refer to the vendor advisories for build-specific details: Apple Support Article #149034, #149035, #149036, #149037, #149041, #149042, and #149043.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installation to vetted sources through MDM configuration profiles until patches are deployed.
- Disable or remove applications with excessive data access entitlements on unpatched devices.
- Educate users to avoid launching untrusted applications and to report unexpected permission prompts.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
