CVE-2026-43764 Overview
CVE-2026-43764 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple versions of Apple macOS. Apple addressed the issue with improved input validation across macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. A malicious application processing crafted input can trigger the overflow and cause unexpected system termination. The flaw impacts availability of affected macOS hosts and can be reached through application-level interfaces exposed to network-delivered content.
Critical Impact
An application can trigger an integer overflow leading to unexpected system termination on unpatched macOS installations.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.8
- Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.8
- Apple macOS Tahoe versions prior to 26.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-43764 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-07-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43764
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-43764 is classified as an integer overflow [CWE-190] within Apple macOS. Integer overflow conditions occur when arithmetic operations produce a value exceeding the range of the destination integer type. The overflow leads to unexpected control-flow or memory-handling behavior in downstream code paths.
Apple's advisory states the issue was addressed with improved input validation. This indicates the affected component did not verify size or bounds parameters before performing arithmetic on attacker-influenced values. When triggered, the condition produces unexpected system termination, impacting availability of the host.
The vulnerability affects macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma, and macOS Tahoe. Apple published patched builds 15.7.8, 14.8.8, and 26.6 respectively.
Root Cause
The root cause is inadequate validation of numeric input consumed by an internal macOS component. An application supplies values that overflow the underlying integer type, corrupting size calculations or loop counters. This condition is consistent with the CWE-190 pattern documented in Apple's advisory.
Attack Vector
An app running on the target host processes crafted input and triggers the overflow. According to Apple's advisory, the outcome is unexpected system termination. No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this CVE at the time of publication. Refer to Apple Support Document #128067, Apple Support Document #128071, and Apple Support Document #128072 for the vendor's technical description.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43764
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or system restarts on macOS hosts running versions prior to 15.7.8, 14.8.8, or 26.6.
- Panic logs under /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing the affected component around the time an untrusted application was launched.
- Repeated application-triggered crashes preceding host-wide termination events.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory macOS endpoints and flag builds below the patched versions 15.7.8, 14.8.8, and 26.6.
- Correlate application execution telemetry with subsequent system termination events to identify potential exploitation attempts.
- Monitor for newly installed or unsigned applications that generate diagnostic crash reports referencing arithmetic or memory faults.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward DiagnosticReports and unified log data to a centralized logging platform for retention and analysis.
- Alert on abnormal frequency of panic events across the macOS fleet.
- Track patch compliance for Apple security updates as a recurring metric.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43764
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected hosts to macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.6 as applicable.
- Restrict installation and execution of untrusted third-party applications until patches are deployed.
- Verify patch status across managed endpoints using MDM tooling.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixed builds addressing CVE-2026-43764. Consult Apple Support Document #128067, Apple Support Document #128071, and Apple Support Document #128072 for release notes and download links.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workarounds are documented; apply the security update.
- Enforce Gatekeeper and application allowlisting policies to reduce exposure to untrusted apps.
- Limit local user privileges to reduce the population of processes that can trigger the condition.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
