CVE-2026-64707 Overview
CVE-2026-64707 is a permissions validation flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The vulnerability allows a local application to delete files for which it does not have permission. Apple addressed the issue with improved validation in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6. The weakness is classified under [CWE-732] (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource). Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, and the flaw impacts integrity without directly exposing confidentiality or availability.
Critical Impact
A malicious or compromised app can delete files outside of its sandboxed permission scope, enabling data destruction, tampering with security artifacts, or removal of user data across affected Apple platforms.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 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 visionOS prior to 26.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-64707 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-07-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64707
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from insufficient permission validation when an application requests file deletion operations on Apple platforms. An app operating within its normal execution context can trigger delete operations against files that fall outside its granted permission scope. Because integrity impact is high while confidentiality and availability remain unaffected, the primary risk is unauthorized modification and destruction of files rather than information theft or service disruption.
Exploitation requires the attacker to already have local code execution on the device, typically through an installed application, and requires user interaction to trigger the vulnerable code path. The attack complexity is low, and no elevated privileges are required to invoke the affected functionality.
Root Cause
Apple's advisories describe the issue as a permissions problem that has been addressed with improved validation. The underlying weakness aligns with [CWE-732], where a critical resource — in this case, file objects on the local filesystem — is assigned permissions that do not correctly enforce which principals may modify or delete it. The affected component fails to fully verify caller entitlements before performing the delete operation.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. A malicious application installed on the device, or an app that has been compromised through another vector, invokes the vulnerable file operation to remove files belonging to other apps, the user, or supporting system data. Because user interaction is required, real-world exploitation likely involves social engineering or bundling the malicious behavior with an app the user actively engages with.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the referenced Apple Security Advisory #128066 and companion advisories for vendor-provided technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64707
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected deletion of user documents, application support files, or configuration files outside the requesting app's container
- Applications performing filesystem operations that traverse outside their sandbox boundaries
- Crash reports or app errors caused by missing files that were previously present
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous file deletion patterns originating from third-party applications on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS devices
- Correlate app install events with subsequent unexpected file removal activity on managed Apple endpoints
- Track macOS unified log entries for TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) denials or unusual filesystem syscall patterns tied to specific bundle identifiers
Monitoring Recommendations
- Maintain an inventory of installed applications on managed Apple endpoints and flag apps requesting broad filesystem access
- Alert on unmanaged applications performing high-volume delete operations across user directories
- Review MDM compliance reports to confirm devices are running patched OS versions listed in the affected products section
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64707
Immediate Actions Required
- Deploy Apple's July 2026 security updates to all affected devices through MDM or user-initiated updates
- Prioritize patching for devices that install applications from outside the App Store or use enterprise provisioning profiles
- Audit installed third-party applications and remove any that are unnecessary or untrusted
Patch Information
Apple addressed CVE-2026-64707 in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6. Full details are available in Apple Security Advisory #128066, Advisory #128067, Advisory #128070, Advisory #128071, and Advisory #128072.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of third-party applications through MDM configuration profiles until patches are deployed
- Enforce App Store-only installation policies on managed iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS devices
- Maintain current backups of critical user data using Time Machine on macOS or iCloud Backup on iOS and iPadOS to enable recovery from unauthorized deletion
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
