CVE-2026-64735 Overview
CVE-2026-64735 is an inconsistent user interface flaw affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass network filters when a user interacts with malicious content. Apple addressed the issue through improved state management in the affected UI components. The flaw is classified under [CWE-451] (User Interface Misrepresentation of Critical Information), a spoofing category that undermines user trust decisions. Exploitation requires user interaction but no privileges, making phishing-style delivery viable.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker can bypass network filters through UI state inconsistencies, potentially reaching resources that should be blocked by parental controls, content filters, or enterprise network policies.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 26.6
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma prior to 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe prior to 26.6
- Apple tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS prior to 26.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-64735 published to NVD
- 2026-07-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64735
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from inconsistent user interface state handling across Apple's shared platform components. When rendering content or navigation elements, the UI layer fails to reliably reflect the true state of the underlying network request. This mismatch allows a remote attacker to present content that misleads network filtering mechanisms or the user viewing the interface. The result is a bypass of network filters that would ordinarily block the target resource.
The issue is tracked under [CWE-451], which covers cases where the interface presents information that does not match the actual security-relevant state. Apple resolved the flaw by improving state management within the affected component.
Root Cause
The root cause is inconsistent synchronization between UI state and the underlying request or content state. Filter logic that relies on the displayed URL, origin, or navigation context can be desynchronized from the actual resource fetched. Attackers exploit this gap to route traffic past filters that trust the UI representation.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is remote and requires user interaction, typically through a crafted web page or attacker-controlled link. No privileges or authentication are required on the target device. Successful exploitation does not compromise confidentiality or availability but affects integrity of filtering and content policy enforcement. This vector is realistic in scenarios involving managed devices, parental controls, or DNS-based content filtering.
No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or CISA KEV listing is currently associated with this CVE.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64735
Indicators of Compromise
- Access to network destinations that should be blocked by configured content filters or MDM policy, correlated with Apple device user agents.
- Discrepancies between DNS filtering logs and endpoint browsing history on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS clients.
- Repeated redirection chains terminating at resources outside the allowlist boundary.
Detection Strategies
- Correlate egress proxy or DNS filter allow/deny decisions against endpoint telemetry to identify filter bypass patterns.
- Alert on Apple devices running OS versions below the patched builds when accessing sensitive network segments.
- Monitor MDM compliance reports for devices lagging on iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS 15.7.8, 14.8.8, 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, and watchOS 26.6.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce network filtering at the network perimeter rather than relying solely on on-device UI-driven controls.
- Log full URL and Server Name Indication (SNI) data at egress points for post-event analysis.
- Track OS build inventory to prioritize patch rollout for exposed devices.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64735
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed builds: 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.
- Push updates through Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce timely deployment across managed fleets.
- Verify patch state on shared and kiosk devices where user interaction with untrusted content is likely.
Patch Information
Apple published fixes across all affected platforms. Refer to the vendor advisories for build-specific details: Apple Support Document #128066, Apple Support Document #128067, Apple Support Document #128068, Apple Support Document #128069, Apple Support Document #128070, Apple Support Document #128071, and Apple Support Document #128072.
Workarounds
- Enforce content filtering at the network layer using DNS filtering, secure web gateways, or firewall policy instead of client-side controls.
- Restrict access to sensitive resources based on device compliance state reported through MDM.
- Educate users about spoofed navigation and UI cues that could accompany filter bypass attempts.
# Verify Apple device OS version to confirm patch state
sw_vers # macOS
# Expected minimum: 15.7.8 (Sequoia), 14.8.8 (Sonoma), or 26.6 (Tahoe)
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
