CVE-2026-43707 Overview
CVE-2026-43707 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting Apple Safari, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Tahoe. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to an unexpected process crash. The flaw is classified under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer). Apple addressed the issue through improved memory handling in Safari 26.5.2, iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2. The vulnerability requires user interaction, typically visiting a malicious website, and impacts availability without exposing confidentiality or integrity.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger process crashes on affected Apple devices by luring users to malicious web content, causing denial-of-service conditions in Safari and WebKit-based rendering.
Affected Products
- Apple Safari (prior to 26.5.2)
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (prior to 26.5.2)
- Apple macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.5.2)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-29 - CVE-2026-43707 published to NVD
- 2026-06-30 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43707
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-43707 is a memory corruption weakness in Apple's WebKit-based web content processing stack. The affected components handle rendering and script execution for Safari and system WebViews across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. When the browser parses specially crafted web content, memory boundaries are violated during processing, corrupting adjacent memory structures. The condition results in an unexpected process crash rather than arbitrary code execution, according to Apple's advisory. The issue affects availability only, per Apple Support Articles 127594, 127595, and 127685. The EPSS score is 0.307%, placing the vulnerability in the 22nd percentile of exploitation likelihood.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper memory handling in the WebKit content processing routines. The vulnerability falls under [CWE-119], indicating operations reach outside intended buffer boundaries. Apple's fix specifically references improved memory handling, suggesting stricter bounds checks or safer allocation logic within the affected code paths.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to deliver malicious web content to a target and convince the user to load it in Safari or another WebKit-consuming application. Successful triggering causes the affected process to terminate, disrupting browsing sessions and any embedded WebViews. No authentication is required, and the attack executes over the network.
See the Apple Support Article 127594 for technical details on the affected components.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43707
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected termination or repeated crashes of Safari, com.apple.WebKit.WebContent, or MobileSafari processes.
- Crash logs referencing WebKit rendering components after visiting untrusted web pages.
- Endpoints running Safari, iOS, iPadOS, or macOS Tahoe versions below 26.5.2.
Detection Strategies
- Collect and centralize macOS ReportCrash and iOS CrashReporter telemetry to identify anomalous WebKit process terminations.
- Correlate browser crash events with recent URL history or referrers to isolate suspicious domains.
- Inventory Apple device fleets and flag versions predating Safari 26.5.2, iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor web proxy and DNS logs for user visits to newly registered or low-reputation domains preceding browser crashes.
- Track patch compliance for Apple endpoints through mobile device management (MDM) reporting.
- Alert on repeated WebContent process restarts on the same device within short intervals.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43707
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Safari to version 26.5.2 on macOS systems where the browser is installed independently of the OS.
- Upgrade iOS and iPadOS devices to version 26.5.2 through Software Update or MDM policy.
- Upgrade macOS Tahoe systems to version 26.5.2 to receive the WebKit fixes.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in Safari 26.5.2, iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2. Refer to the Apple advisories: Apple Support Article 127594, Apple Support Article 127595, and Apple Support Article 127685.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing on unpatched devices to trusted sites until updates are applied.
- Use MDM configuration profiles to enforce web content filtering and block known malicious domains.
- Disable JavaScript in Safari settings on unpatched devices where feasible to reduce exposure to hostile web content.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
