CVE-2026-65405 in iPadOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, watchOS 27. An app may be able to determine kernel memory layout.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical flaw in the operating system's handling of memory initialization within the kernel space. Specifically, this is classified as an improper memory initialization issue where sensitive data or uninitialized pointers are not properly cleared before being reused or exposed during specific operations. In secure systems like iOS and macOS, the kernel maintains strict isolation between user-space applications and core system functions to prevent information leakage. When a memory region containing previous state information is allocated for new use without being zeroed out or securely overwritten, residual data may remain accessible. This oversight creates a side-channel opportunity where an application can infer details about the current state of the kernel's internal structures by analyzing patterns in returned values or timing differences associated with these uninitialized blocks.
From a technical perspective, this flaw falls under CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input and CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code Command if it leads to execution, but more accurately aligns with CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor or CWE-362 Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization. The core issue is not necessarily a buffer overflow that allows code injection, but rather an information disclosure vulnerability rooted in poor memory hygiene. By determining the kernel memory layout, an attacker gains visibility into the addresses of critical system functions, data structures, and security mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) mitigations. This capability significantly reduces the entropy provided by ASLR, which is a primary defense against exploitation techniques that rely on predicting memory locations to achieve arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it serves as an enabler for more complex attacks. While the immediate result is information disclosure, knowledge of the kernel memory layout allows attackers to bypass other security controls effectively. For instance, if an attacker knows where specific kernel functions reside in memory, they can craft exploits that target those exact addresses with high precision. This facilitates privilege escalation from a low-privileged user space application to root or system-level access. Furthermore, it aids in defeating sandboxing mechanisms designed to contain malicious apps within restricted environments. The ability to map the kernel landscape allows for reliable exploitation of other latent vulnerabilities by ensuring that payload delivery targets the correct memory regions consistently across different boot cycles and device states.
This type of vulnerability is often associated with ATT&CK technique T1057 Process Discovery or more specifically T1620 Reflective Code Loading if it leads to further compromise, but primarily maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery in the context of memory structures. It also relates to T1497 Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion as understanding kernel layout helps attackers detect virtualized environments used for analysis or bypass sandbox restrictions. The fix implemented in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and other listed versions addresses this by enforcing stricter memory initialization protocols within the kernel's allocation routines. Developers are advised to ensure that all allocated memory is explicitly zeroed or securely initialized before being exposed to less privileged contexts. Mitigation strategies for administrators involve ensuring devices are updated to the latest patched version immediately. For developers, rigorous code reviews focusing on memory management practices and utilizing static analysis tools can help identify similar patterns in custom kernel extensions or drivers.