CVE-2026-84497

Apple · iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS

A buffer overflow vulnerability in multiple Apple operating systems allows for potential system compromise or process termination when a user opens a maliciously crafted file.

Executive summary

A high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability across multiple Apple platforms enables potential arbitrary code execution or system instability when processing malicious files.

Vulnerability

The vulnerability is a buffer overflow flaw caused by insufficient size validation during file processing. An unauthenticated attacker can trigger this condition if they successfully entice a user to open a maliciously crafted file, which may result in process termination or the execution of arbitrary code with high privileges.

Business impact

The exploitation of this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizational integrity and data confidentiality. With a CVSS score of 7.8, this flaw facilitates potential full system compromise, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, system-wide service disruption, and the loss of operational control over corporate-managed mobile and desktop devices.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Apply the vendor-provided security updates to all affected devices: iOS 26.7 or 27, iPadOS 26.7 or 27, macOS 15.8 or 26.7 or 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27.

Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for frequent, unexplained process crashes or unexpected application terminations that may indicate attempted exploitation of buffer overflow conditions.

Compensating Controls: Deploy endpoint protection solutions capable of scanning files for known malicious patterns and enforce policies that restrict the opening of untrusted files from unknown sources.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: Unknown

Analyst recommendation

Given the broad impact across Apple's ecosystem and the potential for total system compromise, organizations must prioritize patching these versions immediately. Administrators should utilize mobile device management (MDM) solutions to push these updates to all managed assets to ensure rapid coverage and minimize the window of exposure.

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History

CVE Brief tracked this CVE 5 days before it had a CVSS score.

  1. Disclosed CVE record published
  2. Collected by CVE Brief No CVSS score yet; tracked as early warning
  3. CVSS score assigned 7.8 (3.1)
  4. Analyst report written

Sources