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CVE-2016-4669 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2016-4669 describes an Apple kernel issue that can let a local user reach privileged code execution or trigger a system crash. Affected releases include iOS before 10.1, macOS before 10.12.1, tvOS before 10.0.1, and watchOS before 3.1. Because the attack requires local access and can impact kernel integrity, patching affected Apple systems should be treated as a high-priority defensive task.

Vendor
Apple
Product
CVE-2016-4669
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2017-02-20
Original CVE updated
2026-05-13
Advisory published
2017-02-20
Advisory updated
2026-05-13

Who should care

Apple device administrators, endpoint security teams, and anyone managing Macs, iPhones, Apple TV devices, or Apple Watches running the affected pre-fix versions should care. This is especially relevant where untrusted or lower-privileged local users may have access to a device.

Technical summary

NVD classifies the issue as a kernel-component flaw with CVSS 3.0 vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H and CWE-20. The description states that MIG code mishandling can allow arbitrary code execution in a privileged context or a denial of service via system crash. The vulnerability affects iOS before 10.1, macOS before 10.12.1, tvOS before 10.0.1, and watchOS before 3.1.

Defensive priority

High. Kernel-level privilege escalation or crash bugs deserve rapid remediation because they can undermine device integrity and availability once an attacker has local foothold or local user access.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update iOS devices to 10.1 or later, macOS to 10.12.1 or later, tvOS to 10.0.1 or later, and watchOS to 3.1 or later.
  • Inventory Apple endpoints and verify which systems are still below the fixed versions.
  • Prioritize patching any device that permits untrusted local user access or shared logins.
  • Review Apple’s linked vendor advisories for platform-specific remediation guidance.
  • Treat unexpected kernel crashes on affected versions as a high-signal security event and investigate for local compromise opportunities.

Evidence notes

All claims are taken from the supplied CVE description, NVD metadata, and linked official references. The CVE was published on 2017-02-20 and the source record was last modified on 2026-05-13. NVD lists the affected versions, the local attack vector, the kernel/MIG mishandling impact, and CWE-20. The NVD references include Apple support advisories and third-party advisory links, but only the presence of those links is used here, not their contents.

Official resources

Publicly disclosed in the CVE record on 2017-02-20. The NVD source item in this corpus was last modified on 2026-05-13. Apple vendor advisory links are listed in the official NVD references.