---
id: "CVE-2026-86946"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86946"]
title: "macOS: use-after-free lets an app crash the system or corrupt kernel memory"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-silicon", "infrastructure", "intel-mac", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:32+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:49+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86946", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: use-after-free lets an app crash the system or corrupt kernel memory

A use-after-free flaw in macOS lets a local app cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory. Apple fixed it in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2 and Tahoe 26.7.2.

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

## How to check

- Run `sw_vers -productVersion` and compare against the fixed releases: `27.2`, `15.8.2`, `26.7.2`
- unknown

## Fix

- Update macOS to `27.2` (Golden Gate), `15.8.2` (Sequoia) or `26.7.2` (Tahoe) or later via System Settings > General > Software Update

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86946

## From the sources

A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.

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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_