CVE-2026-64767 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2026
A buffer overflow was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that was resolved through enhanced bounds checking mechanisms within Apple's operating system frameworks. The flaw existed in the kernel-level memory management components where insufficient input validation allowed malicious actors to manipulate memory boundaries beyond allocated limits. The issue affected multiple macOS versions including Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, and Tahoe 26.6, indicating a widespread impact across Apple's operating system ecosystem. Buffer overflow vulnerabilities of this nature typically arise when programs write data beyond the boundaries of fixed-length memory buffers, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking procedures within kernel memory allocation routines that process user-supplied data or network inputs. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that exceed buffer limits, potentially causing kernel memory corruption or forced system termination. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries need not have physical access to target systems, as the vulnerability can be triggered through network-based attacks against exposed services or applications that interface with vulnerable kernel components. This type of flaw falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of memory safety violations that have plagued operating system security for decades.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential privilege escalation and persistent system compromise scenarios. When kernel memory becomes corrupted through buffer overflows, attackers may gain elevated privileges or manipulate critical system functions to maintain persistence within compromised environments. The consequences could include complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads that leverage the compromised kernel access for broader network infiltration. Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a potential indicator of more sophisticated attack campaigns targeting Apple environments, particularly in enterprise settings where macOS systems serve as primary endpoints for corporate networks.
Organizations must prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to mitigate exploitation risks, with particular attention to systems running the vulnerable macOS versions mentioned in the advisory. The recommended mitigation strategy involves deploying the latest security updates from Apple, which implement enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that prevent buffer overflows at the kernel level. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel extension restrictions, application whitelisting, and regular security audits to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system patches and highlights the persistent challenges in securing complex kernel-level memory management systems against sophisticated exploitation techniques. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the bounds checking mechanisms function correctly without introducing compatibility issues with legitimate applications or system services.