---
id: "CVE-2026-86916"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86916"]
title: "Apple iOS and macOS kernel: use-after-free lets an app run kernel code"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.8
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-devices", "infrastructure", "ios", "ipados", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:28+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:25+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86916", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# Apple iOS and macOS kernel: use-after-free lets an app run kernel code

A use-after-free flaw in the Apple kernel lets a malicious app execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Fixed releases are iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8 and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the iPhone or iPad under Settings > General > About for the OS version, and look for an earlier build than iOS 26.7 or iOS 27.
- On a Mac, run `sw_vers -productVersion` and compare with `15.8` (Sequoia) or `26.7.2` (Tahoe).

## Fix

- Update iPhone and iPad to iOS 26.7 or iPadOS 26.7, or to iOS 27 and iPadOS 27.
- Update Mac to macOS Tahoe `26.7.2`, macOS Sequoia `15.8`, or macOS Golden Gate 27.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86916

## From the sources

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. 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 26.7.2. An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_