CVE-2026-43695 Overview
CVE-2026-43695 is an authorization vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a locally installed application to access sensitive user data that should be protected by the operating system's authorization controls. Apple addressed the issue with improved state management across its platform ecosystem.
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-863] (Incorrect Authorization) and [CWE-285] (Improper Authorization). It requires local access and low privileges, with no user interaction needed for exploitation.
Critical Impact
A malicious application installed on an affected device can bypass authorization checks to read sensitive user data, violating the platform's confidentiality guarantees.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS (prior to iOS 27) and iPadOS (prior to iPadOS 27)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.8), macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.7), and macOS Golden Gate 27
- Apple tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-43695 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43695
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from an authorization issue in Apple's operating systems. An application running on the device can reach protected data paths that should require additional authorization. Apple documented the fix as improved state management, indicating the underlying component failed to correctly track and enforce authorization state between operations.
Authorization state management flaws typically occur when a component checks permissions at one point but performs the sensitive action later, without re-validating the caller's authorization context. Because the flaw is local and requires only low privileges, any installed app with standard sandbox privileges could potentially trigger the condition.
The impact is limited to confidentiality. Integrity and availability of the system are not affected, and the scope remains unchanged, meaning the attacker gains information within the same security boundary.
Root Cause
According to Apple's advisory, the root cause is improper state management within an authorization decision path. The affected component did not consistently maintain the state used to determine whether a caller was permitted to access sensitive user data. Apple's fix hardens the state tracking to prevent an app from bypassing the authorization check.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires a local attacker to run code on the target device, typically through a malicious or compromised application. No user interaction is required after the app is installed and executed. Once running, the app queries protected data through the affected component and receives content it should not be authorized to read. Refer to Apple's security advisories (Apple Support #149034 through #149043) for platform-specific component details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43695
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected application access to private user data such as contacts, photos, location history, or health records without a corresponding permission prompt.
- Installation of applications from outside the App Store or from unverified developer accounts on managed devices.
- Anomalous data egress from mobile devices shortly after new application installations.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory device OS versions across the fleet and flag endpoints running versions prior to the fixed releases listed by Apple.
- Review MDM (Mobile Device Management) telemetry for applications requesting broader entitlements than their stated function requires.
- Correlate application install events with subsequent access to sensitive data stores or unusual network activity.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and forward device compliance and application inventory data from MDM platforms to a centralized analytics store.
- Monitor for outbound connections from mobile and macOS endpoints to newly observed or low-reputation destinations.
- Track privacy-related report events on macOS, such as Transparency, Consent, and Control (TCC) prompts and denials, for anomalies.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43695
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, macOS Golden Gate 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, or watchOS 27.
- Push the updates through MDM with enforcement deadlines for managed fleets.
- Audit installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary, unsigned, or sourced from outside official channels.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixes across its platform family. Refer to the vendor advisories for exact build numbers and additional CVEs addressed in the same releases: Apple Support #149034, #149035, #149036, #149037, #149038, #149042, and #149043.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround is documented. Patching is the required remediation.
- Restrict application installation sources through MDM configuration profiles until devices are updated.
- Limit sensitive data stored on devices that cannot yet receive the update, and revoke unnecessary application permissions.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.