---
id: "CVE-2026-86964"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86964"]
title: "Apple OS: null pointer dereference lets an app crash the system"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple", "infrastructure", "ios", "ipados", "macos", "tvos", "visionos", "watchos"]
not_affected_if: ["fully-patched-devices"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:34+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-2026-86964", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# Apple OS: null pointer dereference lets an app crash the system

A null pointer dereference in Apple's operating systems can be triggered by an app, causing unexpected system termination. The fix is input validation added in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, tvOS 27, visionOS 27 and watchOS 27.

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

## How to check

- Check the installed version under Settings > General > About (iOS and iPadOS) or `sw_vers -productVersion` on macOS; unknown whether the sources list other checks.

## Fix

- Update to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, or macOS Golden Gate 27; on macOS Tahoe, update to `26.7.2` or later.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86964

## From the sources

A null pointer dereference was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, 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_