CVE-2026-64695: Apple macOS Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2026-64695 Overview

CVE-2026-64695 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Apple macOS. A remote attacker can exploit the flaw to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and is exploitable over the network without user interaction or prior authentication.

Critical Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker can corrupt kernel memory or trigger system termination, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution in kernel context on affected macOS systems.

Affected Products

Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.7.8)
Apple macOS Sonoma (prior to 14.8.8)
Apple macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.6)

Discovery Timeline

2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-64695 published to NVD
2026-07-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-64695

Vulnerability Analysis

The flaw resides in macOS kernel memory handling routines. When processing certain network-delivered inputs, the affected code fails to correctly enforce buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption within the kernel. Apple's advisory describes the fix as improved memory handling, indicating the root defect lies in bounds validation or object lifetime tracking. Successful exploitation can corrupt kernel memory or cause an unexpected system halt, both of which map to the [CWE-119] classification for improper restriction of operations within memory buffer bounds.

Root Cause

The underlying weakness is improper memory boundary enforcement in a kernel component reachable from remote input. Attacker-controlled data crosses trust boundaries into kernel memory operations without adequate validation. Apple has not disclosed the specific affected subsystem beyond referencing the improved memory handling remediation.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely across the network with no privileges and no user interaction required. An attacker sends crafted input to a vulnerable macOS host to reach the affected kernel code path. The EPSS score is 0.513% (40.861 percentile), and no public exploit or proof-of-concept has been observed at the time of publication. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Apple has not published exploitation details, and no verified proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Apple Support Article #128067, Apple Support Article #128071, and Apple Support Article #128072 for vendor guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64695

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected kernel panics or system reboots on macOS hosts, particularly those exposed to untrusted network segments.
Repeated crash reports referencing kernel memory faults in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/.
Anomalous inbound network traffic to macOS endpoints preceding system instability events.

Detection Strategies

Collect and analyze macOS kernel panic logs and crashreporterd diagnostic reports for signatures consistent with memory corruption.
Monitor endpoint telemetry for unexpected kernel_task termination and forced reboots correlated with network activity.
Inventory macOS build versions across the fleet and flag hosts running versions earlier than 15.7.8, 14.8.8, or 26.6.

Monitoring Recommendations

Baseline normal macOS crash rates and alert on statistically significant deviations across managed devices.
Correlate network flow data with host crash timestamps to identify potential remote triggers.
Track patch deployment status through mobile device management (MDM) reporting to confirm remediation coverage.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64695

Immediate Actions Required

Apply Apple's security updates to bring macOS Sequoia to 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma to 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe to 26.6.
Prioritize patching of macOS systems exposed to untrusted networks or accessible from the internet.
Verify patch deployment through MDM inventory and audit any hosts that cannot be updated immediately.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. Consult the Apple Support Article #128067, Apple Support Article #128071, and Apple Support Article #128072 for release notes and installation instructions.

Workarounds

Restrict inbound network access to macOS endpoints using host and perimeter firewalls until patches are applied.
Segment macOS systems away from untrusted networks and disable unnecessary network-facing services.
Enforce VPN-only access for remote macOS clients to reduce direct network exposure.

bash

# Verify installed macOS version and confirm patch level
sw_vers -productVersion

# Trigger a software update check and install available updates
sudo softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart