Memory flaw in Apple macOS enables pointer authentication bypass
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CISA ADP. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-119 and the CVSS impact.
Summary
Apple macOS versions before 15.8.2, before 26.7.2 and before 27 contain a memory handling flaw (CWE-119). A local attacker with low privileges and memory write capability can bypass pointer authentication codes and run arbitrary code.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-06
Description from the CNA
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.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
Remediation
Update macOS Sequoia to 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe to 26.7.2 and macOS Golden Gate to 27. The sources list no advisory identifiers for these fixes.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-06
- Fix · CNA macOS (Apple) Fixed in 15.8.2, 26.7.2, 27
Fixed in the same release
Records fixed by the same vendor advisory or release, as the CNA lists them.
- Release ·
Apple macOS 15.8.2, 26.7.2, 27
20 records Highest priority Priority MEDIUM 1 MEDIUM, 19 LOW
Other records, highest priority first
- TI-2026-80711 Out-of-bounds write in Apple macOS lets crafted files run codePriority MEDIUM 41
- TI-2026-80701 Use after free in Apple macOS allows sandbox escape to rootPriority LOW 39
- TI-2026-80688 Apple iOS, iPadOS and macOS flaw lets apps break out of sandboxPriority LOW 38
Timeline
- 2026-10-26 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-86958
- 2026-10-27 Alias added: GHSA-xm68-fj23-vw2x
- 2026-11-06 CVSS score added · CISA ADP
- 2026-11-06 Weakness changed · CISA ADP
- 2026-11-06 CISA SSVC decision points changed
- 2026-11-07 CISA SSVC decision points changed
References
More Apple vulnerabilities
- TI-2026-46583 Improper authentication in Apple macOS KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2025-28008 Out-of-bounds write in Apple iOS and iPadOS KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2025-22441 Apple iOS and iPadOS: An attacker with arbitrary read and write capability may be able to… KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2025-22440 Memory corruption in Apple iOS and iPadOS KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2025-17951 Out-of-bounds write in Apple Safari KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2025-17847 Use after free in Apple iOS and iPadOS KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
Sources
- CVE-2026-86958 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-86958 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-xm68-fj23-vw2x · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
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