---
id: "CVE-2026-86969"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86969"]
title: "Apple iOS and macOS: out-of-bounds write lets an app corrupt kernel memory"
severity: "high"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-devices", "infrastructure", "ios", "ipados", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:34+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:41+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86969", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# Apple iOS and macOS: out-of-bounds write lets an app corrupt kernel memory

An out-of-bounds write in Apple's operating systems lets a malicious app crash the system or corrupt kernel memory. Apple fixed it with improved input validation in the listed iOS, iPadOS and macOS releases.

_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 (iOS and iPadOS) or Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS) and compare it with the fixed versions below.
- unknown for fleet-wide checks: the sources do not give a command.

## Fix

- Update iOS and iPadOS to `26.7.2` (or `27.2` on the iOS 27 branch).
- Update macOS Tahoe to `26.7.2`, macOS Sequoia to `15.8.2`, and macOS Golden Gate to `27.2`.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86969

## From the sources

An out-of-bounds write was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7.2 and iPadOS 26.7.2, iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, 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_