CVE-2026-43795 Overview
CVE-2026-43795 is a memory handling flaw affecting Apple Safari and multiple Apple operating systems. Processing maliciously crafted web content can trigger an unexpected Safari crash, resulting in a denial-of-service condition on the browser process. The issue is categorized under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and was addressed through improved memory handling. Apple resolved the issue in Safari 26.6.1, iOS 18.7.10, iPadOS 18.7.10, iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can crash Safari by luring users to attacker-controlled web content, disrupting browsing sessions on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices.
Affected Products
- Apple Safari (prior to 26.6.1)
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (prior to 18.7.10 and 26.6.1)
- Apple macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.6.2)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-17 - CVE-2026-43795 published to NVD
- 2026-08-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-43795
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Safari's handling of web content, where improperly managed memory operations lead to a process crash. When Safari parses maliciously crafted HTML, JavaScript, or related web resources, memory buffer operations exceed intended bounds and cause the browser to terminate unexpectedly. The flaw does not require authentication and is triggered when a user visits or interacts with attacker-controlled content. Impact is limited to availability, meaning the vulnerability does not disclose data or permit code execution based on the available advisory information. Attackers may use this crash primitive for user disruption, session interruption, or as a building block in larger exploit chains that combine multiple browser flaws.
Root Cause
Apple attributes the issue to insufficient memory handling within Safari's content processing pipeline. The vendor advisory states the fix was implemented through improved memory handling, consistent with [CWE-119] weaknesses where buffer boundary checks are inadequate. Apple has not published low-level technical details of the memory condition.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network-based delivery and user interaction. A user must load attacker-controlled web content in a vulnerable Safari version. Common delivery methods include phishing links, malicious advertisements, or compromised legitimate websites hosting the crafted payload. No privileges are required on the target device.
No public proof-of-concept code is available for this issue. Refer to the Apple Support Article #148281 and related advisories for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-43795
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated or unexpected Safari process crashes correlated with visits to specific URLs or domains.
- Crash reports referencing WebKit memory faults on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS endpoints.
- Outbound connections from Safari to newly registered or low-reputation domains preceding crash events.
Detection Strategies
- Correlate browser crash telemetry with web proxy logs to identify URLs that consistently precede Safari termination.
- Monitor macOS unified logging and iOS crash reports for Safari and com.apple.WebKit process exits with abnormal signals.
- Baseline the fleet's installed Safari, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions and flag hosts still running unpatched builds.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest endpoint crash and process-exit telemetry into a centralized data lake for correlation with web activity.
- Alert on clusters of Safari crashes across multiple endpoints, which may indicate a shared malicious source.
- Track user reports of browser instability alongside URL categorization data to accelerate triage.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-43795
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Safari to 26.6.1 on all supported macOS versions.
- Upgrade iOS and iPadOS devices to 18.7.10 or 26.6.1, depending on the supported track.
- Upgrade macOS Tahoe endpoints to 26.6.2.
- Communicate the update requirement to end users and enforce compliance through mobile device management.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixes across four advisories. Administrators should review the vendor documentation at Apple Support Article #148281, Apple Support Article #148282, Apple Support Article #148286, and Apple Support Article #148287. Apply the corresponding OS or Safari update matching each device's platform and version track.
Workarounds
- Restrict browsing to trusted sites until patches are deployed, particularly on high-value or executive endpoints.
- Use enterprise web filtering to block known malicious and low-reputation domains that could host crafted content.
- Educate users to avoid clicking untrusted links in email, messaging, and social platforms until updates are applied.
# Verify Safari and macOS versions on managed endpoints
sw_vers -productVersion
defaults read /Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
