CVE-2026-43778
A critical flaw in Apple operating systems allows an attacker to free memory and then use it again, potentially crashing the system or corrupting kernel memory. The issue is fixed in recent OS releases. Users should update to the latest version.
An official fix is available, so this entry is kept for 30 days and then removed automatically.
Who is affected
Apple devices running iOS 26.5 or earlier, iPadOS 26.5 or earlier, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7 or earlier, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7 or earlier, macOS Tahoe 26.5 or earlier, tvOS 26.5 or earlier, visionOS 26.5 or earlier, watchOS 26.5 or earlier.
Real-world impact
An attacker could cause the device to crash or corrupt kernel memory, leading to denial of service or potential privilege escalation.
Why this severity
The CVSS score is high because the flaw can be exploited remotely with no authentication or user interaction, and it can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire system.
What to do about it
- 011. Update your device to the latest OS version (iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, or watchOS 26.6).
- 022. Restart the device to complete the update.
NVD-referenced vendor advisory
Timeline
- Jul 27, 2026 · 3d agoPublishedDisclosed and added to the National Vulnerability Database.
- Jul 28, 2026 · 2d agoOfficial fix availableA vendor patch or mitigation now exists — see the remediation steps above.
How it’s attacked
References & advisories
- support.apple.com/en-us/128066release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128067release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128068release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128069release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128070release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128071release notesvendor advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/128072release notesvendor advisory