CVE-2026-65413 Overview
CVE-2026-65413 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] in Apple macOS that allows a local application to trigger a denial of service. Apple addressed the flaw by adding improved input validation. The issue affects macOS versions prior to Golden Gate 27, Sequoia 15.8, and Tahoe 26.7.
Exploitation requires local access and user interaction. A malicious or malformed application running on the affected system can supply crafted input that causes an integer overflow, leading to an unexpected termination or crash of the target component.
Critical Impact
A local application can trigger an integer overflow that results in denial of service on affected macOS systems.
Affected Products
- Apple macOS Tahoe (versions prior to 26.7)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.8)
- Apple macOS (versions prior to Golden Gate 27)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-65413 published to NVD
- 2026-09-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-65413
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an integer overflow condition [CWE-190] in a macOS component. Integer overflows occur when an arithmetic operation produces a value that exceeds the storage capacity of its integer type. The result wraps around, producing an unexpected value that downstream logic treats as valid.
In this case, insufficient input validation permitted attacker-controlled data to reach an arithmetic operation without bounds checks. Apple's advisory states the fix improved input validation to reject values that would trigger the overflow. The realized impact is denial of service — the affected process terminates or becomes unresponsive.
Exploitation requires local code execution on the target Mac and user interaction, per the CVSS metrics. No confidentiality or integrity impact is reported.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation on an integer input before it participates in an arithmetic operation. When the operation overflows, the resulting value drives incorrect control flow or memory sizing, causing the process to crash. Apple's remediation adds explicit input validation to prevent overflow-inducing values from reaching the vulnerable arithmetic path.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a malicious application to the target macOS system. When executed with user interaction, the application supplies crafted numeric input to the vulnerable interface. The overflow condition triggers, resulting in denial of service of the affected component. The attack does not cross a network boundary and does not require elevated privileges. Refer to the Apple Support Article #149035, Apple Support Article #149042, and Apple Support Article #149043 for vendor detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65413
Indicators of Compromise
- Repeated crash reports in ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ or /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/ for the same system component.
- Unexpected termination signals (SIGABRT, SIGSEGV) tied to a specific application invoking a system API.
- Installation or execution of unsigned or untrusted third-party applications shortly before crash events.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor macOS unified logging (log show) for repeated process termination and exception messages correlating with a single parent application.
- Alert on new or unsigned applications that trigger diagnostic report generation for system frameworks.
- Correlate application execution telemetry with system crash events using EDR process lineage data.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track macOS version inventory to identify hosts running vulnerable builds (prior to 15.8, 26.7, or Golden Gate 27).
- Ingest DiagnosticReports artifacts into a central logging platform for retention and analysis.
- Review Gatekeeper and XProtect telemetry for suspicious application launches preceding crash bursts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65413
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Apple security updates: upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, or macOS Golden Gate 27.
- Inventory macOS endpoints and prioritize patching devices running vulnerable versions.
- Restrict installation of untrusted third-party applications via Gatekeeper policy and MDM configuration.
Patch Information
Apple has released patches in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. Consult the Apple Support Article #149035, Apple Support Article #149042, and Apple Support Article #149043 for the full advisory and update instructions.
Workarounds
- Limit execution of untrusted applications through Gatekeeper and notarization enforcement.
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts to reduce the impact of a local denial-of-service condition.
- Use MDM policies to block installation of unsigned software until patching completes.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.