CVE-2026-65364 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7. A remote attacker may be able to cause unexpected system termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described involves an out-of-bounds read condition within the operating system's core components, specifically affecting versions of macOS prior to Golden Gate 27, Sequoia 15.8, and Tahoe 26.7. An out-of-bounds read occurs when a program attempts to access memory locations that lie outside the intended buffer boundaries. In this context, the flaw stems from insufficient validation of input parameters or array indices before accessing data structures in memory. While typically associated with information disclosure vulnerabilities where an attacker might leak sensitive kernel or user-space data, Apple has classified this specific instance as leading to unexpected system termination rather than arbitrary code execution or direct data exfiltration. This classification suggests that the malformed access triggers a protective mechanism within the operating system, such as a segmentation fault or a kernel panic, designed to prevent further corruption of memory state when an invalid read is detected.
From a technical perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where software reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer. The presence of improved bounds checking in the patched versions indicates that developers have implemented stricter validation logic to ensure that memory access requests are verified against allocated limits prior to execution. Without these checks, a remote attacker could craft specific network packets or trigger specific API calls that cause the system to read from unmapped or protected memory regions. Modern operating systems employ various safeguards like Address Space Layout Randomization and Data Execution Prevention, but they also rely on internal consistency checks to maintain stability. When an out-of-bounds condition is encountered in a critical subsystem, the safest immediate response by the OS kernel is often to halt execution to prevent potential escalation of privileges or widespread data corruption, resulting in the observed system termination.
The operational impact of this vulnerability centers on availability rather than confidentiality or integrity. A remote attacker who can exploit this flaw does not necessarily gain control over the victim's machine but can effectively deny service by causing a crash. This is particularly significant for macOS devices that serve as servers or critical infrastructure nodes, where uptime and reliability are paramount. The ability to cause unexpected system termination means that an adversary could perform a denial-of-service attack with relative ease if they understand the specific conditions required to trigger the out-of-bounds read. While the impact is limited to availability in this instance, it highlights underlying weaknesses in memory safety within the codebase that could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities for more severe outcomes in different contexts or future versions where similar flaws might not result in immediate termination but rather in exploitable states.
In terms of threat modeling and industry standards, this vulnerability can be mapped to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Denial of Service, specifically those involving resource exhaustion or system crashes through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Although the primary vector is remote, the exploitability depends on whether the vulnerable code path is reachable over a network interface without authentication. If accessible remotely, it represents a significant risk for automated scanning and attack tools that seek to disrupt services. The fix provided in macOS Golden Gate 27, Sequoia 15.8, and Tahoe 26.7 addresses this by enhancing the bounds checking mechanisms within the affected subsystems. Administrators and users should ensure their systems are updated to these versions or later to mitigate the risk of remote denial-of-service attacks stemming from this memory safety issue. Regular patching is essential as it closes gaps in memory management logic that could otherwise be leveraged for disruptive purposes, maintaining the overall security posture and stability of the macOS environment against both targeted exploits and opportunistic automated attacks.