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CVE-2026-43661 Apple CVE debrief

CVE-2026-43661 is a buffer overflow vulnerability affecting various Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to corrupt process memory by processing a maliciously crafted image. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating high severity. It can be exploited remotely with low complexity and has a high impact on availability. Users with devices that have not been updated to the latest versions are at risk. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to apply the latest security updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

Vendor
Apple
Product
iOS
CVSS
HIGH 7.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-05-11
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-05-11
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

Organizations and individuals using Apple devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS should be aware of this vulnerability. Specifically, those with devices that have not been updated to the latest versions (iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5) are at risk.

Technical summary

The CVE-2026-43661 vulnerability is a buffer overflow issue that was addressed with improved memory handling in various Apple operating systems. The vulnerability can be exploited by processing a maliciously crafted image, which may corrupt process memory. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely, requires low attack complexity, and has a high impact on availability.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the latest security updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
  • Restrict processing of untrusted images.
  • Monitor systems for suspicious activity.
  • Implement compensating controls, such as intrusion detection systems.
  • Review and update asset inventory to ensure all affected systems are accounted for.
  • Track and verify changes to systems through normal change control windows.
  • Verify source tracking and monitoring for potential exposures.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-05-11T21:19:01.823Z and was last modified on 2026-07-27T21:16:52.137Z. The NVD entry is currently Modified. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple products, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-43661 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-43661

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

  • CVE-2026-43661 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-43661

    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.