CVE-2026-64720 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2026
A race condition was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, tvOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2026
A race condition vulnerability has been identified and subsequently addressed through enhanced state management protocols across multiple Apple operating systems including iOS iPadOS macOS Tahoe tvOS and watchOS version 26.6. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that occurs when multiple threads or processes attempt to access and modify shared resources simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms. The underlying technical flaw stems from inadequate coordination between concurrent operations which creates temporal windows where system stability can be compromised. When an application exploits this race condition through carefully timed execution sequences it can manipulate the system state in ways that lead to unexpected termination behaviors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes as it provides potential attackers with means to disrupt normal system operations and potentially escalate privileges. The race condition specifically affects how the operating system manages internal states during concurrent access scenarios, allowing malicious applications to trigger conditions that result in abrupt system shutdowns or restarts. This behavior aligns with common attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where timing-based exploits leverage temporal inconsistencies in system resource management. From a cybersecurity perspective this vulnerability represents a significant concern as it can be leveraged for denial of service attacks against legitimate users and potentially create opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The remediation implemented by Apple addresses this issue through improved state handling mechanisms that ensure proper synchronization between concurrent operations. This fix prevents applications from manipulating system resources in ways that would lead to unexpected termination conditions. The solution involves tightening access controls and implementing more robust locking mechanisms that prevent multiple processes from interfering with each other during critical system operations. From a compliance standpoint this vulnerability addresses requirements outlined in various security frameworks including those related to integrity and availability principles. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected systems as the vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors seeking to disrupt services or create chaos within targeted environments. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to maintaining system stability and security through proactive vulnerability management and continuous improvement of their underlying operating system architectures.
This race condition vulnerability represents a classic example of how concurrent programming errors can lead to serious security implications. The remediation approach focuses on strengthening the fundamental state management capabilities of the operating system, which aligns with best practices recommended by security standards such as those outlined in the CWE catalog for race conditions and improper synchronization issues. The implementation of improved state handling mechanisms ensures that system resources maintain consistent states during concurrent access scenarios, thereby preventing unauthorized manipulation that could lead to system instability or unexpected termination events.