CVE-2026-43686
Apple · iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, watchOS
A use-after-free vulnerability in Apple operating systems allows kernel memory corruption when a user connects to a malicious NFS server.
Executive summary
A critical use-after-free vulnerability in Apple products could allow a remote attacker to trigger kernel memory corruption via a malicious NFS server, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
Vulnerability
This is a use-after-free memory management flaw triggered during the interaction with an NFS server. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically the act of connecting to a malicious network share, and can be exploited by an unauthenticated remote attacker.
Business impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in kernel-level memory corruption. This poses a significant risk to organizational data integrity and system availability, as it can lead to full system compromise or recurring kernel panics. Given the CVSS score of 8.8, this flaw is categorized as high severity and requires immediate attention to prevent potential unauthorized access or service disruption within the enterprise environment.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update all affected Apple devices to the versions specified in the vendor security advisory, specifically ensuring that iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS are patched to their respective fixed releases.
Proactive Monitoring: Review network access logs for unusual outbound connections to untrusted or non-standard NFS servers.
Compensating Controls: Restrict network access to untrusted NFS shares via firewall rules or VPN policies to prevent users from interacting with potentially malicious servers.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown
Analyst recommendation
The severity of this vulnerability, combined with its potential for kernel-level impact, necessitates a prompt response. Organizations should prioritize patching mobile and desktop endpoints to the identified secure versions to neutralize the risk of memory corruption. Administrators must ensure that users are informed of the risks associated with connecting to unknown or untrusted network services.
More Apple CVEs all →
History
CVE Brief tracked this CVE 1 day before it had a CVSS score.
- Disclosed CVE record published
- Collected by CVE Brief No CVSS score yet; tracked as early warning
- CVSS score assigned 8.8 (3.1)
- Analyst report written