CVE-2026-28925

Kernel Buffer Overflow Causing System Crash and Memory Corruption in macOS

Published May 11, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.5 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or write kernel memory.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

A buffer overflow in the macOS kernel allows a local application to overwrite kernel memory or trigger an unexpected system termination. This flaw is a classic example of uncontrolled buffer size handling (buffer overflow weaknesses). The result is the compromise of system integrity and availability, potentially allowing a malicious process to gain kernel‑level control or force a reboot.

Affected Systems

Apple macOS versions released before Sequoia 15.7.7, Sonoma 14.8.7, and Tahoe 26.5 are vulnerable. The vendor’s security advisory states that the fix is delivered in those versions and newer releases.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.5 reflects a high‑severity impact, while the EPSS score of < 1 % indicates a very low probability of exploitation in the wild. The vulnerability is not listed in CISA’s KEV catalog, and no public exploit is known. The likely attack vector is a local attacker who can execute a malicious application on the target system, as the flaw requires code execution with sufficient privileges to trigger the overflow. Because the flaw can lead to arbitrary kernel memory writes or a crash, the potential for a full system compromise is significant, though the low EPSS suggests early detection and patching should mitigate exploitation risk.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Install macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, Sonoma 14.8.7, or Tahoe 26.5 or a later version to receive the corrected kernel bounds checks.
  • If an immediate upgrade is not possible, enable System Integrity Protection and enforce the App Sandbox on local applications to limit kernel access, thereby reducing the impact of a potential overflow.
  • Discontinue or restrict the use of any known applications that trigger the kernel overflow until the system is patched, thereby removing the local vector for exploitation.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on May 12, 2026 at 18:01 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Kernel Buffer Overflow Causing System Crash and Memory Corruption in macOS
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Kernel Buffer Overflow Leading to System Crash or Kernel Memory Write
Weaknesses CWE-119
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-120
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Kernel Buffer Overflow Leading to System Crash or Kernel Memory Write
Weaknesses CWE-119
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple macos
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple macos
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or write kernel memory.
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-120

    Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
May 12, 2026, 1:30 PM
Reserved
Mar 3, 2026, 4:36 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
May 11, 2026, 9:18 PM
Modified
Oct 26, 2026, 6:10 PM