CVE-2026-65408 Overview
CVE-2026-65408 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] affecting multiple Apple operating systems. The flaw allows a local application to trigger unexpected system termination, resulting in a denial-of-service condition on the affected device. Apple addressed the issue through improved input validation across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction. Successful exploitation impacts system availability but does not compromise confidentiality or integrity.
Critical Impact
A malicious app installed on the device can cause the operating system to terminate unexpectedly, disrupting user operations and any active workloads on the affected Apple device.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS (fixed in iOS 26.7 and iOS 27)
- Apple iPadOS (fixed in iPadOS 26.7 and iPadOS 27)
- Apple macOS (fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, and macOS Golden Gate 27)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-65408 published to NVD
- 2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-65408
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-65408 is an integer overflow [CWE-190] in Apple operating system components. Integer overflows occur when an arithmetic operation produces a value that exceeds the storage capacity of the target integer type. The resulting value wraps around, producing an unexpected numeric result that downstream code treats as valid.
In this case, the overflowed value influences a code path that leads to unexpected system termination. Apple resolved the defect by adding improved input validation on the values that flow into the vulnerable arithmetic operation. The vulnerability affects availability only, with no observed impact on data confidentiality or integrity.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds checking on input values used in an arithmetic operation within an Apple operating system component. When crafted input values are supplied, the calculation overflows an integer, producing an out-of-range result. The kernel or affected subsystem then reaches an inconsistent state and terminates.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access. An attacker must be able to run an application on the target device that supplies crafted inputs to the vulnerable interface. No user interaction is required beyond installing or executing the malicious app. The vulnerability is not remotely exploitable and is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code has been observed for CVE-2026-65408 at the time of publication. Refer to the Apple Support Article 149034 and related advisories for vendor-provided technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65408
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or system reboots on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS devices with no clear hardware or driver cause.
- Crash reports referencing arithmetic exceptions or integer overflow conditions within Apple system components.
- Presence of recently installed or sideloaded applications that correlate with system termination events.
Detection Strategies
- Collect and review crash logs from managed Apple endpoints for repeated panic signatures on the same device or across a fleet.
- Correlate application install events with subsequent system termination events using mobile device management (MDM) telemetry.
- Track OS build versions across the fleet to identify devices running vulnerable pre-patch releases.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable centralized collection of macOS unified logs and iOS crash reports through MDM or endpoint telemetry pipelines.
- Alert on abnormal reboot frequency or clusters of system terminations tied to specific application identifiers.
- Monitor Apple software update compliance to confirm devices receive the fixed OS versions in a timely manner.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65408
Immediate Actions Required
- Update affected devices to iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, or macOS Golden Gate 27 as applicable.
- Enforce OS update policies through MDM to ensure timely deployment of the patched builds.
- Audit installed applications on managed devices and remove untrusted or unnecessary software.
Patch Information
Apple has released patches addressing CVE-2026-65408 in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, and macOS Golden Gate 27. Details are available in Apple Support Article 149034, Apple Support Article 149035, Apple Support Article 149041, Apple Support Article 149042, and Apple Support Article 149043.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installation on managed devices to vetted sources such as the App Store or approved MDM-managed catalogs.
- Apply the principle of least privilege by removing unnecessary sideloaded or enterprise-signed applications until the OS is patched.
- Educate users to avoid installing untrusted apps that could trigger local denial-of-service conditions.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
