CVE-2026-65376 Overview
CVE-2026-65376 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] affecting multiple versions of Apple macOS. A local application can trigger the flaw to cause unexpected system termination, resulting in a denial-of-service condition on the affected host. Apple addressed the issue with improved bounds checking in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges, and does not require user interaction. Confidentiality and integrity are not directly impacted; the primary consequence is availability loss.
Critical Impact
A local application can leverage the out-of-bounds read to terminate the operating system, disrupting availability of the affected macOS host.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS versions prior to Golden Gate 27
- Apple macOS versions prior to Sequoia 15.8
- Apple macOS versions prior to Tahoe 26.7
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-65376 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-09-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-65376
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read within a macOS component that fails to validate the boundaries of a memory buffer before reading from it. When a local application supplies crafted input, the vulnerable code path reads memory beyond the intended allocation. The read triggers an unexpected system termination, producing a kernel panic or process-level fault that halts availability of the host. Apple's advisory notes that the fix consists of improved bounds checking in the affected component.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient boundary validation prior to a memory read operation, categorized under [CWE-125] Out-of-Bounds Read. The affected code accepts an index or length value that is not constrained to the allocated buffer size. When the value exceeds the buffer bounds, the process reads adjacent memory, which produces inconsistent state and triggers a fault that propagates to system termination.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access to the macOS host and the ability to execute an application with standard user privileges. No user interaction is required. The attacker delivers a malicious or crafted application that invokes the vulnerable code path, causing an out-of-bounds read and resulting in unexpected system termination. There is no confirmed public proof-of-concept, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Refer to the Apple Support Document #149035, Apple Support Document #149042, and Apple Support Document #149043 for vendor-authoritative technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65376
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or full system reboots on macOS hosts that correlate with the launch or activity of an unfamiliar application.
- Crash reports in /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ or ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ referencing the affected component.
- Repeated abnormal terminations following installation of an untrusted third-party binary.
Detection Strategies
- Correlate diagnostic panic logs with process execution telemetry to identify applications preceding system termination events.
- Alert on installation or execution of unsigned or newly observed binaries on macOS endpoints running versions prior to the patched releases.
- Track macOS build versions across the fleet to identify hosts still exposed to the vulnerability.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest macOS unified logs and crash reports into a centralized analytics platform for correlation across the environment.
- Monitor endpoint reboot frequency and panic events as a leading indicator of exploitation attempts or instability.
- Review software inventory to identify managed hosts that have not yet been updated to macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.7.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65376
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all macOS hosts to macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.7 as appropriate for the installed release train.
- Restrict installation of untrusted third-party applications through Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies and Gatekeeper enforcement.
- Audit endpoint fleets to identify unpatched systems and prioritize remediation for multi-user or shared workstations.
Patch Information
Apple resolved CVE-2026-65376 by adding improved bounds checking in the affected component. Fixed versions are macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. Patch details are documented in Apple Support Document #149035, Apple Support Document #149042, and Apple Support Document #149043.
Workarounds
- Limit local user privileges and restrict which users can execute arbitrary binaries on sensitive hosts.
- Enforce application allow-listing to prevent execution of unapproved software that could trigger the vulnerable code path.
- Apply the vendor patch as the definitive remediation; no vendor-supplied workaround replaces the update.
# Verify current macOS version and check for available updates
sw_vers -productVersion
softwareupdate --list
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
