CVE-2026-64699 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2026
A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. An app may be able to disclose kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory management flaw that could potentially allow malicious applications to access sensitive kernel memory regions. The issue stems from inadequate memory initialization practices within the operating system's core components, creating pathways for unauthorized data disclosure. The vulnerability affects multiple macOS versions including Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, and Tahoe 26.6, indicating a widespread impact across the macOS ecosystem. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by malicious applications to gain insights into system internals. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 which addresses improper initialization of memory, specifically focusing on scenarios where uninitialized memory regions may contain sensitive data from previous operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an application leveraging improper memory handling to read kernel memory segments that should remain protected from user-space access. When applications fail to properly initialize memory before use or when the system fails to clear memory contents appropriately, residual data from previous operations can persist and be accessed by unauthorized processes. This type of information disclosure can reveal sensitive system information including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in kernel memory. The flaw essentially creates a window where memory that should be cleared or properly secured remains accessible to applications with appropriate privileges.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise security environments where macOS systems handle sensitive data and critical infrastructure components. Attackers could potentially leverage this issue to gather intelligence about system configurations, identify potential attack vectors, or extract credentials from kernel memory regions. The impact extends beyond individual user devices to corporate networks where macOS systems are prevalent, particularly in environments handling financial data, personal health information, or intellectual property. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability alongside other memory corruption issues when assessing the overall security posture of macOS deployments.
The recommended mitigations include immediate deployment of the patched versions mentioned for Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, and Tahoe 26.6 as these updates specifically address the memory initialization flaws. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected macOS systems are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict application sandboxing policies, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and maintaining detailed audit logs of system operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and privilege-based access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for security operations centers monitoring for advanced persistent threats.