---
id: "CVE-2026-86962"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86962"]
title: "Apple iOS and macOS: double free lets an app crash the system"
severity: "medium"
cvss: 5.5
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-devices", "infrastructure", "ios", "ipados", "macos", "tvos", "visionos", "watchos"]
not_affected_if: ["fixed-version"]
published_at: "2026-10-20T01:17:28+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:19+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T04:12:35+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86962", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:19+00:00"}]
---

# Apple iOS and macOS: double free lets an app crash the system

A double free memory bug in Apple's operating systems lets a malicious app cause unexpected system termination. The sources do not describe code execution or data access.

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

## How to check

- Check the device version under Settings > General > About (or `sw_vers -productVersion` on macOS) and compare it with the fixed releases below.

## Fix

- Update iOS and iPadOS to `26.7` or `27`.
- Update macOS Tahoe to `26.7`, macOS Sequoia to `15.8`, and macOS Golden Gate to `27`.
- Update tvOS, visionOS and watchOS to `27`.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:19+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86962

## From the sources

A double 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, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, watchOS 27. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.

---

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