CVE-2026-39877
7.8Apple · macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, watchOS
A memory corruption vulnerability in various Apple operating systems allows a malicious application to disclose kernel memory.
Executive summary
A memory corruption vulnerability across the Apple ecosystem, including macOS and iOS, may allow an unauthorized application to disclose sensitive kernel memory, posing a significant security risk.
Vulnerability
This is a memory corruption vulnerability caused by improper memory handling. An unauthenticated attacker with local access and user interaction can exploit this flaw to disclose kernel memory.
Business impact
The ability for a malicious application to read kernel memory is a severe security compromise, as kernel memory often contains sensitive information, cryptographic keys, or credentials that could facilitate further system exploitation. With a CVSS score of 7.8, this high-severity vulnerability represents a significant risk to data confidentiality and system integrity. Organizations should treat this as a priority, particularly for devices handling sensitive enterprise or personal data.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update all affected Apple devices to the versions specified in the vendor advisory (e.g., macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 or macOS Sonoma 14.8.8) to implement the improved memory handling fixes.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor device security logs for unusual application behavior or unexpected system crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Compensating Controls: Enforce strict application vetting policies and utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to restrict the installation of untrusted or unsigned applications.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: No (exploit_available: false)
Analyst recommendation
Given the broad impact across the Apple product ecosystem and the sensitivity of kernel memory, organizations must prioritize the deployment of the latest security updates. Administrators should utilize automated patch management tools to ensure all endpoints are brought to the specified secure versions as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of unauthorized data disclosure.