Full Report
Apple security advisory (AV26-446)
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Multiple Vulnerabilities in Apple Operating Systems (AV26-446)
## CVE Details
- **CVE ID:** Specific CVE identifiers are not listed in the summary advisory but are contained within the underlying vendor security releases (refer to vendor links).
- **CVSS Score:** N/A (Apple typically does not provide CVSS scores in their initial advisories; however, the scope of these updates generally covers High to Critical vulnerabilities).
- **CWE:** Varies by specific flaw, typically includes Memory Corruption, Use-After-Free, and Logic Issues.
## Affected Systems
- **Products:** iOS, iPadOS, macOS (Tahoe, Sequoia, Sonoma), tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS.
- **Versions:**
- iOS & iPadOS: Versions prior to 26.5, 18.7.9, 17.7.11, 16.7.16, and 15.8.8.
- macOS Tahoe: Versions prior to 26.5.
- macOS Sequoia: Versions prior to 15.7.7.
- macOS Sonoma: Versions prior to 14.8.7.
- tvOS: Versions prior to 26.5.
- watchOS: Versions prior to 26.5.
- visionOS: Versions prior to 26.5.
- **Configurations:** Standard installations of the listed operating systems.
## Vulnerability Description
While the advisory (AV26-446) serves as a broad notification, these security releases typically address a collection of vulnerabilities ranging from kernel-level flaws and WebKit engine vulnerabilities (remote code execution) to privacy-related issues where apps may access sensitive user data without authorization.
## Exploitation
- **Status:** Unknown (Apple usually notes if a specific CVE is being "actively exploited" in the detailed release notes; users should treat these as potential "zero-day" risks until patches are applied).
- **Complexity:** Varies (Typically Low to Medium).
- **Attack Vector:** Network (via WebKit/Safari), Local (via malicious apps), and Physical (via proximity-based protocols).
## Impact
- **Confidentiality:** High (Potential data exfiltration).
- **Integrity:** High (Potential for unauthorized system changes or code execution).
- **Availability:** High (Potential for system crashes or kernel panics).
## Remediation
### Patches
Apple has released the following updates to address these vulnerabilities:
- iOS 26.5 / iPadOS 26.5
- iOS 18.7.9 / iPadOS 18.7.9
- iPadOS 17.7.11
- iOS 16.7.16 / iPadOS 16.7.16
- iOS 15.8.8 / iPadOS 15.8.8
- macOS Tahoe 26.5
- macOS Sequoia 15.7.7
- macOS Sonoma 14.8.7
- tvOS 26.5 / watchOS 26.5 / visionOS 26.5
### Workarounds
No official workarounds are provided. Security best practices suggest:
- Avoid opening suspicious links or downloading untrusted files until the update is installed.
- Restrict physical access to devices.
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise:** Unexpected system reboots, significant battery drain, or unauthorized app behavior.
- **Detection methods and tools:** Audit OS versions using Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools or by checking "Software Update" in system settings.
## References
- Apple Security Releases: hxxps[://]support[.]apple[.]com/en-us/100100
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Advisory (AV26-446): hxxps[://]www[.]cyber[.]gc[.]ca/en/alerts-advisories/apple-security-advisory-av26-446