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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-28961 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2026-28961 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Apple macOS, specifically in the operating system's handling of sensitive user information when a device is locked. This issue was addressed with improved checks and is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.5. An attacker with physical access to a locked device may be able to view sensitive user information. The vulnerability highlights the importance of physical security measures for sensitive devices and the need for timely application of security updates.

Vendor
Apple
Product
macOS
CVSS
MEDIUM 4.6
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-05-11
Original CVE updated
2026-07-27
Advisory published
2026-05-11
Advisory updated
2026-07-27

Who should care

Administrators and users of Apple macOS systems, particularly those with physical access to locked devices, should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary precautions. This includes applying the latest security updates for macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, and Tahoe, and ensuring physical security measures are in place for sensitive devices. Monitoring system logs for unusual activity and implementing additional access controls for sensitive information are also recommended.

Technical summary

The vulnerability, addressed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, allows an attacker with physical access to a locked device to potentially view sensitive user information. The issue was resolved through improved checks within the operating system, enhancing the protection of sensitive data. This type of vulnerability underscores the need for multi-layered security, including both software updates and physical security controls.

Defensive priority

Medium priority due to the requirement for physical access and the potential for sensitive information disclosure.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the latest security updates for macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, and Tahoe.
  • Ensure physical security measures are in place for sensitive devices.
  • Monitor system logs for unusual activity.
  • Implement additional access controls for sensitive information.
  • Consider compensating controls for devices with physical access risks.
  • Review and update incident response plans to address potential exploitation.
  • Conduct a thorough review of system and user data access controls.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-05-11T21:18:57.090Z and was last modified on 2026-07-27T21:16:50.220Z. The NVD entry is currently Modified. This information disclosure vulnerability in Apple macOS, addressed with improved checks in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, allows an attacker with physical access to a locked device to potentially view sensitive user information. Evidence is limited to CVE and NVD entries, which may not cover all affected systems or variations.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-28961 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-28961

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-28961 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-28961

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.