CVE-2026-28886 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2026
A null pointer dereference was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7, iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, macOS Tahoe 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4. A user in a privileged network position may be able to cause a denial-of-service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle null pointer references during system operations. When malicious input or crafted conditions trigger this vulnerability, the system attempts to dereference a null pointer, leading to unexpected application termination and potential system instability. The vulnerability specifically impacts users who may be positioned within a privileged network environment, where they could leverage this weakness to execute denial-of-service attacks against targeted systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions that can lead to system crashes and service interruptions.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-28886 extends beyond simple service disruption as it creates opportunities for attackers to systematically degrade system availability. When a null pointer dereference occurs in a privileged network position, adversaries can craft specific inputs that cause applications or system services to crash repeatedly, effectively rendering the targeted system unusable for legitimate users. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.001 which involves spearphishing with attachments that could contain malicious payloads designed to trigger such memory corruption issues. The affected platforms span across Apple's entire ecosystem, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on Apple devices for their operations.
Apple has addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive updates released as part of iOS 18.7.7, iPadOS 18.7.7, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, and their respective newer versions. These patches implement improved input validation mechanisms that prevent the system from processing invalid pointer references and instead gracefully handle such conditions through proper error management. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected devices to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing memory safety vulnerabilities through robust input validation and proper error handling procedures. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address any successful denial-of-service events that may occur before full patch deployment.