---
id: "CVE-2026-86958"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86958"]
title: "Apple macOS: memory handling flaw lets attacker bypass pointer authentication"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-devices", "infrastructure", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched-macos"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:33+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:45+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86958", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# Apple macOS: memory handling flaw lets attacker bypass pointer authentication

A memory-handling flaw in macOS lets an attacker who already has memory write capability bypass pointer authentication codes. The sources say this can lead to arbitrary code execution.

_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 builds listed in the advisory: macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2.

## Fix

- Update macOS to Golden Gate 27, Sequoia `15.8.2`, or Tahoe `26.7.2`, or later.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86958

## From the sources

The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An attacker with memory write capability may be able to bypass pointer authentication codes and run arbitrary code.

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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_