CVE-2026-65377 Overview
CVE-2026-65377 is a memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. A local application can trigger the flaw to cause unexpected system termination, resulting in a denial of service condition. Apple addressed the issue with improved memory handling across its product line. The weakness is classified as an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125], which impacts availability without compromising confidentiality or integrity.
Critical Impact
A local application with low privileges can trigger memory corruption to crash the operating system, disrupting device availability across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS devices.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS and iPadOS (fixed in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, and iPadOS 27)
- Apple macOS (fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, and macOS Golden Gate 27)
- Apple tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and watchOS 27
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE CVE-2026-65377 published to NVD
- 2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-65377
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw is a memory corruption condition that Apple resolved with improved memory handling. The vulnerability is categorized as an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125], where code accesses memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. When a malicious or malformed application triggers the condition, the operating system terminates unexpectedly. The impact is limited to availability, meaning attackers cannot read sensitive data or modify system state through this specific issue.
Apple has not published detailed technical information about the affected component. The advisory pages across the Apple ecosystem describe the same behavior consistently, indicating a shared framework or subsystem is responsible.
Root Cause
Memory corruption in this case likely stems from insufficient boundary checking during memory read operations. Improper validation of buffer sizes or indexes allows a routine to reference memory outside the allocated region. This behavior corrupts internal data structures relied upon by the kernel or a privileged system service, forcing an abrupt termination.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access with low privileges. An attacker must run an application on the target device to invoke the vulnerable code path. No user interaction is required beyond executing the malicious app. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact remains within the security authority of the vulnerable component.
Refer to the Apple Security Advisory #149034 and related advisories for the specific component context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65377
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated unexpected system reboots or kernel panics on Apple devices running unpatched operating system versions.
- Presence of newly installed or sideloaded applications preceding system termination events.
- Crash reports referencing memory access violations in system frameworks.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor device management platforms for OS version compliance against the fixed builds listed in Apple advisories.
- Correlate application install events with subsequent crash or reboot telemetry to isolate suspicious binaries.
- Review MDM and endpoint telemetry for applications requesting APIs associated with recent Apple crash diagnostics.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Collect and centralize .ips crash reports from macOS endpoints for analysis of repeated fault patterns.
- Track application provenance and code-signing anomalies on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS fleets.
- Establish alerting on OS version drift so unpatched devices are prioritized for remediation.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65377
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Apple devices to the fixed releases: iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, macOS Golden Gate 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, or watchOS 27.
- Enforce automatic updates through mobile device management (MDM) policies where feasible.
- Audit installed applications and remove untrusted or sideloaded software.
Patch Information
Apple has released patches across its operating system portfolio. Consult the vendor advisories for build numbers and download instructions: Apple Security Advisory #149034, #149035, #149036, #149037, #149038, #149041, #149042, and #149043.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of unverified applications and limit sideloading through configuration profiles.
- Apply MDM restrictions that block untrusted developer certificates on managed devices.
- Isolate unpatched devices from sensitive workloads until updates are deployed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
