CVE-2026-43762 Overview
CVE-2026-43762 is an improper access control vulnerability [CWE-284] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Apple addressed the issue with improved checks in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6. A malicious application installed on an affected device may be able to access user-sensitive data outside of its authorized scope.
The flaw requires local access and user interaction to exploit. No public proof-of-concept code has been released, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Critical Impact
A locally installed application can bypass access control checks to read sensitive user data on iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, and visionOS devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to version 26.6
- Apple macOS Tahoe prior to version 26.6
- Apple visionOS prior to version 26.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-43762 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43762
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-43762 is classified under [CWE-284] Improper Access Control. Apple's advisory states the issue was resolved with improved checks, indicating the pre-patch code paths lacked adequate validation before allowing an application to reach user-sensitive resources. Successful exploitation results in confidentiality loss without affecting integrity or availability.
Exploitation requires an attacker to deliver and execute a crafted application on the target device. User interaction is also required, which typically means the victim must launch the application or approve a prompt. Because the attack vector is local, remote exploitation over a network is not feasible.
The Exploit Prediction Scoring System places the near-term exploitation probability at 0.188%. No public exploit code, Metasploit module, or ExploitDB entry has been observed at the time of publication.
Root Cause
Apple has not published low-level technical details. The vendor description and CWE mapping indicate that one or more system components accepted requests for protected user data without verifying that the calling application held the required entitlements or user consent. The remediation adds the missing checks to the affected code path.
Attack Vector
An attacker must first place a malicious application on the device through the App Store, TestFlight, sideloading, or MDM distribution. When the user launches the application, it invokes the vulnerable API to retrieve user-sensitive information such as personal files, contacts, or other protected data managed by the operating system's privacy framework.
No verified exploitation code is publicly available. See the referenced Apple support documents for vendor-supplied context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43762
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected access requests to privacy-protected data stores originating from recently installed third-party applications.
- Applications running on device versions earlier than iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, or visionOS 26.6.
- Unusual outbound network transfers of user data following the launch of a newly installed application.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory managed Apple endpoints and flag any device reporting an OS build older than 26.6.
- Review MDM application deployment logs for unsigned or unrecognized packages distributed prior to patch rollout.
- Correlate application install events with subsequent access to privacy-scoped resources on macOS using Endpoint Security framework telemetry.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Mobile Device Management (MDM) compliance policies that alert when devices fall behind on OS patches.
- Forward macOS Unified Log entries related to TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) prompts to a central logging platform for review.
- Monitor App Store install and update events to identify applications that were present before devices were patched to 26.6.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43762
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all iPhone and iPad devices to iOS 26.6 or iPadOS 26.6.
- Update all Mac devices to macOS Tahoe 26.6.
- Update Apple Vision Pro devices to visionOS 26.6.
- Audit installed third-party applications and remove any that are unnecessary or from untrusted sources.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6. Refer to the vendor advisories for full details: Apple Support Document #128066, Apple Support Document #128067, and Apple Support Document #128070.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installation to vetted sources by enforcing MDM restrictions on sideloading and unmanaged App Store installs.
- Review and revoke unnecessary privacy permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security for third-party applications until patching completes.
- Delay installation of new third-party applications on unpatched devices where possible.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
