CVE-2026-64749 Overview
CVE-2026-64749 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. A malicious application running locally can trigger unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory. Apple addressed the flaw with improved memory handling in iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6. The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer). Successful exploitation grants an attacker the ability to disrupt system availability or manipulate kernel-resident data structures.
Critical Impact
A locally installed application can corrupt kernel memory, leading to system crashes or potential privilege escalation on affected Apple devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS prior to 26.6
- Apple macOS Sequoia prior to 15.7.8 and macOS Tahoe prior to 26.6
- Apple visionOS prior to 26.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-27 - CVE-2026-64749 published to NVD
- 2026-07-29 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64749
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in kernel-level memory handling logic within multiple Apple operating systems. An application running with normal user privileges can send crafted input to a vulnerable kernel interface. The kernel processes this input without sufficient bounds enforcement, resulting in memory corruption. This corruption can cause unexpected system termination (kernel panic) or alter kernel data structures. Apple resolved the defect by tightening memory handling checks across the affected components.
Root Cause
The vulnerability is classified as [CWE-119], indicating improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. The affected kernel routine did not correctly validate the size or offset of data operations before accessing memory. This condition allows reads or writes outside intended boundaries, corrupting adjacent kernel state. Apple's advisories describe the fix as "improved memory handling," which typically involves stricter bounds checks and safer allocation patterns.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access. An attacker must first deliver and execute a malicious application on the target device. User interaction is required, meaning the victim must install or launch the untrusted application. Once executing, the application invokes the vulnerable kernel path to trigger the corruption. Because the impact reaches kernel memory, a successful exploit can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire device. See the Apple Support Advisory #128066 and companion advisories for vendor-specified details.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2026-64749. Refer to the vendor advisories for authoritative technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64749
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or spontaneous device reboots on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or visionOS endpoints.
- Recurring crash reports referencing kernel memory faults in panic.ips or /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/.
- Installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications from outside the App Store shortly before instability appears.
Detection Strategies
- Collect and centralize macOS ReportCrash and iOS analytics panic logs, then alert on kernel-mode faults referencing memory corruption signatures.
- Correlate application launch telemetry with subsequent kernel panics to isolate the triggering process.
- Monitor MDM inventory for devices still running OS versions below the patched baseline.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track OS build versions across the fleet and flag devices on unpatched builds prior to iOS/iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6.
- Watch for anomalous application behavior invoking rare kernel interfaces via endpoint telemetry.
- Review Apple developer notarization and Gatekeeper events to identify newly introduced binaries executing on managed endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64749
Immediate Actions Required
- Deploy the vendor patches to all affected devices: iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, and visionOS 26.6.
- Prioritize devices that permit sideloading, developer mode, or install applications from outside official app stores.
- Restrict installation of untrusted third-party applications through MDM configuration profiles.
Patch Information
Apple has released fixes across four advisories. Consult Apple Support Advisory #128066, Apple Support Advisory #128067, Apple Support Advisory #128070, and Apple Support Advisory #128071 for the applicable OS updates. Apply updates through Software Update or an enterprise MDM update policy.
Workarounds
- Enforce application allowlisting via MDM to block execution of untrusted binaries until patching completes.
- Disable Developer Mode and sideloading on managed iOS and iPadOS devices.
- Require Gatekeeper enforcement on macOS to reject unsigned or unnotarized applications.
# Verify macOS build meets the patched baseline
sw_vers -productVersion
# Trigger managed software update on macOS
sudo softwareupdate -i -a --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
