CVE-2026-64736 Overview
CVE-2026-64736 is an out-of-bounds access vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw resides in kernel-adjacent code and can be triggered by a local application. Exploitation may cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory. Apple addressed the issue through improved bounds checking across its product lineup. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read).
Critical Impact
A local application can trigger unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory, undermining device stability and integrity on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 26.6.1
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.8 and macOS Tahoe prior to 26.6.2
- Apple tvOS prior to 27, visionOS prior to 27, and watchOS prior to 27
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-64736 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-09-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64736
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds access condition in Apple operating system components. When triggered, the affected code reads or references memory beyond a valid buffer boundary. Because the flaw touches kernel memory, successful triggering can destabilize the system or corrupt kernel structures. Apple's advisories describe the impact as unexpected system termination or kernel memory corruption. The issue was resolved by adding improved bounds checking to the affected code path.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds validation before a memory access, classified as CWE-125. Apple's fix introduces stricter length and offset checks prior to the access. Without these checks, crafted input from a local app can cause the code to reference memory outside intended limits.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction. An attacker must run a crafted application on the target device. Successful triggering degrades availability through system termination and can corrupt kernel memory, which may be leveraged in further kernel exploitation chains. No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No verified proof-of-concept code has been published. Refer to Apple's advisories linked below for technical scope and fixed versions.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64736
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or spontaneous device reboots correlated with recently installed or newly launched applications.
- Panic logs on macOS under /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing out-of-bounds faults in kernel components.
- Repeated crash reports from a single non-Apple application immediately preceding system termination.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints against Apple's fixed versions (iOS/iPadOS 26.6.1, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6.2, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, watchOS 27) using MDM compliance reporting.
- Baseline application behavior and alert on processes that repeatedly produce kernel-level exceptions.
- Correlate crash telemetry with process execution events to attribute panics to specific applications.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward macOS DiagnosticReports and system.log to a centralized logging platform for retention and search.
- Enable MDM-based OS version and patch compliance dashboards for the Apple fleet.
- Track newly installed applications and unsigned binaries executing on managed macOS endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64736
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade affected devices to the fixed Apple releases: iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6.2, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27.
- Enforce OS update compliance through MDM policies and block enrollment for out-of-date devices.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications, particularly on managed macOS endpoints where users have local execution rights.
Patch Information
Apple released fixes across its product line. Consult the vendor advisories for platform-specific details: Apple Support Document #148281, Apple Support Document #148282, Apple Support Document #149036, Apple Support Document #149037, Apple Support Document #149038, and Apple Support Document #149043.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround exists; patching is the required remediation.
- Limit local code execution by allowlisting signed, vetted applications through MDM configuration profiles.
- Reduce exposure by removing standard user access to install arbitrary software on high-value macOS endpoints.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
