CVE-2026-64744 Overview
CVE-2026-64744 is an information disclosure vulnerability affecting Apple macOS. A local application may be able to read kernel memory contents through insufficient validation in an unspecified macOS component. Apple addressed the issue with additional input validation. The flaw is classified under [CWE-200] (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor).
Apple fixed the issue in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, limiting remote attack scenarios but enabling privilege boundary violations from unprivileged apps.
Critical Impact
A malicious app running locally on macOS can disclose kernel memory, potentially exposing sensitive data such as pointers, credentials, or cryptographic material that assist in further exploitation.
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-2026-64744 published to NVD
- 2026-07-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64744
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-64744 is a kernel memory information disclosure vulnerability in Apple macOS. According to Apple's advisory, the issue was resolved by adding validation checks in the affected component. Insufficient validation allowed an application to read memory contents belonging to the kernel address space.
Kernel memory disclosure vulnerabilities enable attackers to leak sensitive runtime data. This data commonly includes kernel base addresses used to bypass Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), function pointers, cached credentials, and other in-memory secrets. Attackers frequently chain such leaks with memory corruption bugs to achieve reliable local privilege escalation.
The advisory does not identify the specific subsystem, but Apple typically fixes such disclosures in components that copy kernel-owned buffers to user space without proper size checks or field sanitization.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incomplete validation in a kernel-facing interface exposed to user-mode applications. The fix introduces additional validation, indicating that the original code path returned data derived from kernel structures without verifying bounds or clearing uninitialized fields before returning them to user space.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires code execution as a local user on the target macOS host. User interaction is required, meaning the malicious app must be launched or triggered by the victim. No elevated privileges are required to invoke the vulnerable path. Once triggered, the app can read kernel memory contents to weaken kernel exploit mitigations or harvest sensitive data.
No verified public proof-of-concept code exists for CVE-2026-64744. Refer to the Apple Security Update Advisory for authoritative technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64744
Indicators of Compromise
- Unsigned or newly installed applications making repeated calls to low-level kernel interfaces or IOKit endpoints not typical for their function.
- Processes reading unusually large kernel-derived buffers via sysctl, mach_msg, or IOKit APIs shortly after launch.
- Presence of macOS builds older than 15.7.8, 14.8.8, or 26.6 on managed endpoints.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory macOS endpoints and flag hosts running versions below the patched builds.
- Monitor Endpoint Security Framework (ESF) telemetry for anomalous ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_KEXTLOAD or unusual privileged system-call patterns from user apps.
- Correlate app install events with subsequent access to kernel-adjacent APIs and treat unsigned developer binaries with elevated scrutiny.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track macOS version distribution and patch compliance in configuration management dashboards.
- Alert on execution of untrusted binaries running outside signed installer flows, particularly those invoking IOKit or Mach APIs.
- Retain endpoint process telemetry to enable retrospective hunting once additional exploitation details emerge.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64744
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply Apple security updates: upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.6.
- Enforce Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) on all endpoints to restrict execution of untrusted local applications.
- Restrict installation of unsigned or unnotarized applications through MDM policy.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixes in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6. See the vendor advisories at Apple Support 128067, Apple Support 128071, and Apple Support 128072. Install updates through Software Update or via managed MDM deployment.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation.
- Reduce risk by limiting user rights to install third-party applications and enforcing application allowlisting.
- Educate users to avoid launching untrusted applications, since exploitation requires user interaction.
# Verify macOS build version on an endpoint
sw_vers -productVersion
# Trigger a managed software update check via MDM (jamf example)
sudo jamf policy -event softwareupdate
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
