CVE-2026-43769 Overview
CVE-2026-43769 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation, allowing a malicious application to trigger unexpected system termination. Apple addressed the issue by adding improved input validation across its platform portfolio.
The vulnerability impacts iOS, iPadOS, macOS Sequoia, macOS Sonoma, macOS Tahoe, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. Apple resolved it in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, and watchOS 26.6.
Critical Impact
An application can exploit the integer overflow to cause unexpected system termination, resulting in a denial-of-service condition on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (prior to version 26.6)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.7.8), macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.8.8), and macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.6)
- Apple tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS (prior to version 26.6)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-43769 published to NVD
- 2026-07-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43769
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-43769 is an integer overflow classified under CWE-190: Integer Overflow or Wraparound. Integer overflows occur when an arithmetic operation produces a value that exceeds the storage capacity of its integer type. The result wraps around, producing an unexpectedly small or negative value.
When such a wrapped value drives downstream logic — such as buffer size calculations, loop counters, or memory allocation — the affected code path can operate on incorrect assumptions. In this case, the flaw permits an application to force unexpected system termination, disrupting device availability.
Apple resolved the issue by introducing stricter input validation before the affected arithmetic operations, preventing values that would otherwise trigger the overflow condition.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds checking on integer inputs prior to arithmetic computation. Without validation, attacker-controlled values can push operands past the maximum representable value of the integer type, causing wraparound and subsequent inconsistent state within the operating system.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a crafted application to the target device. Once executed, the application supplies malformed input to the vulnerable code path, triggering the integer overflow and forcing system termination. Apple's advisories describe the outcome as "unexpected system termination."
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the Apple Security Advisories for platform-specific technical notes.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43769
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics, forced reboots, or crash reports referencing anomalous integer arithmetic on Apple devices running unpatched operating system builds.
- Presence of newly installed or sideloaded applications immediately preceding system termination events.
- Diagnostic reports (ips crash logs) in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ or MDM-collected crash telemetry showing repeated terminations tied to the same process.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Apple endpoints against fixed versions: iOS/iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6.
- Correlate application installation events with subsequent crash or reboot telemetry to identify potentially malicious apps.
- Review MDM logs for devices reporting frequent unexpected restarts on unpatched OS builds.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate macOS and iOS crash reports into a central log platform and alert on clustered termination events.
- Track OS version compliance across the fleet and flag devices that fall behind the patched baselines.
- Monitor application provenance to detect installation of unsigned or unreviewed applications on managed endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43769
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed OS versions listed in Apple's advisories.
- Restrict installation of unvetted third-party applications through MDM configuration profiles.
- Prioritize patching for devices used by high-value users and those processing sensitive data.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes across its ecosystem. Consult the vendor advisories for platform-specific update instructions: Apple Security Advisory #128066, #128067, #128068, #128069, #128070, #128071, and #128072. Fixed versions include iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, and watchOS 26.6.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists. Applying the official Apple update is the only remediation.
- Reduce risk in the interim by limiting application installation to trusted App Store sources and enforcing MDM allow-listing.
- Educate users to avoid installing applications from unknown developers until patches are deployed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
