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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2016-7606 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2016-7606 is a kernel memory-corruption issue in Apple products that can let a crafted app trigger arbitrary code execution in a privileged context or cause a denial of service. The CVE description identifies affected releases as iOS before 10.2, macOS before 10.12.2, and watchOS before 3.1.3. The supplied NVD record rates the issue High with CVSS 7.8 and a local, user-interaction-required attack vector.

Vendor
Apple
Product
CVE-2016-7606
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, MDM and endpoint teams, mobile app governance teams, and users or organizations running older iOS, macOS, or watchOS releases. Priority is especially high where app installation is less tightly controlled or where devices may remain on unsupported versions.

Technical summary

The issue is classified as CWE-119 (memory corruption) in the kernel component. NVD lists CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating a local attack that requires user interaction but no prior privileges. The practical impact is potential privileged code execution or denial of service. Note that the CVE description’s affected-version list and the supplied NVD CPE ceilings are not identical, so exact fixed build numbers should be confirmed against Apple’s advisories.

Defensive priority

High. Kernel memory corruption can lead to privilege escalation and broad system impact, so affected Apple devices should be patched promptly and version compliance should be verified across managed fleets.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update affected Apple devices to the vendor-fixed releases referenced by Apple’s advisories.
  • Verify installed iOS, macOS, and watchOS versions across managed fleets and identify any devices still on vulnerable releases.
  • Review app-installation and sideloading controls to reduce exposure to crafted apps.
  • Use Apple’s advisory pages to confirm the exact remediated build numbers before declaring systems compliant.
  • Prioritize remediation for devices that handle sensitive data or are difficult to reimage or replace.

Evidence notes

Supplied CVE description states impact as arbitrary code execution in a privileged context or denial of service via a crafted app. The supplied NVD record provides CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H and CWE-119. NVD references Apple vendor advisories HT207422, HT207423, and HT207487. The supplied NVD CPE metadata lists version ceilings that differ from the CVE description’s version wording, so remediation versions should be validated against Apple’s advisories.

Official resources

CVE published on 2017-02-20, with the supplied NVD record last modified on 2026-05-13. Apple vendor advisories are referenced in the NVD record.