CVE-2026-84566

Local Exploit Causing Kernel Memory Corruption and System Termination in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS

Published Sep 14, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 8.4 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7. A local attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

The vulnerability originates from improper memory handling in the Apple kernel, allowing a local attacker to trigger kernel memory corruption or unexpected system termination. A local compromise can lead to denial of service by forcing the system to shut down or potentially expose corrupted memory data.

Affected Systems

Apple iOS and iPadOS devices running versions earlier than 26.7, and macOS installations before macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.7, remain vulnerable. Security updates in iOS 26.7 and later, iPadOS 26.7 and later, macOS Golden Gate 27 and later, macOS Sequoia 15.8 and later, and macOS Tahoe 26.7 and later address the issue.

Risk and Exploitability

The flaw requires local access; a physical or local attacker can exploit it. The CVSS score of 8.4 indicates high severity, while the EPSS score of < 1 % indicates a very low likelihood of widespread attacks. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Kernel memory corruption or system termination compromises availability and could serve as a foothold for further local exploitation. Understanding the risk is critical to prioritize patching and physical security.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the latest software update that includes the kernel memory handling fix for the affected iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version.
  • If an update is not immediately available, physically secure the device to limit local access by potential attackers.
  • Enable system event logging and monitor for kernel panics or abnormal shutdowns that could indicate exploitation.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 20, 2026 at 21:27 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Local Exploit Causing Kernel Memory Corruption and System Termination in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple ipados
Apple iphone Os
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Apple ipados
Apple iphone Os
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 8.4, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Apple iOS/macOS Kernel Memory Corruption Vulnerability
Weaknesses CWE-119
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Apple iOS/macOS Kernel Memory Corruption Vulnerability
Weaknesses CWE-119
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple ios And Ipados
Apple macos
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple ios And Ipados
Apple macos
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7. A local attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-119

    Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
Oct 26, 2026, 8:36 PM
Reserved
Sep 1, 2026, 9:13 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Sep 14, 2026, 9:17 PM
Modified
Sep 18, 2026, 5:31 PM