CVE-2026-86924 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Tahoe 26.7. Connecting a malicious accessory may cause unexpected system termination.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described involves a memory corruption flaw within the operating systems of Apple devices, specifically affecting versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS prior to their respective patched releases. This type of issue typically arises when software fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before processing it, leading to conditions such as buffer overflows, use-after-free errors, or heap corruption. In this specific instance, the root cause is identified as insufficient input validation mechanisms within components responsible for handling interactions with external hardware peripherals. The lack of rigorous checks allows malformed or maliciously crafted data structures sent by an accessory to overwrite adjacent memory regions, corrupting the system's internal state and potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or destabilize the operating environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to its potential for remote exploitation via physical access vectors. An adversary with physical proximity to a target device can exploit this flaw by connecting a maliciously modified accessory, such as a USB-C cable, dongle, or peripheral that emulates standard hardware while injecting crafted data packets during the enumeration and communication phases. Upon connection, the operating system attempts to initialize and communicate with the new device using its built-in drivers and frameworks. If these components do not adequately verify the size, structure, or content of the incoming data streams, they may write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This corruption can lead to immediate application crashes, broader system instability, or in more severe scenarios, privilege escalation where an attacker gains unauthorized control over sensitive system resources. The primary consequence highlighted is unexpected system termination, which represents a denial-of-service condition that disrupts availability and user trust, though the underlying memory corruption could theoretically be leveraged for further malicious activities if not properly mitigated by other security controls like sandboxing or code signing requirements.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifiers such as CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which describe scenarios where input data exceeds the allocated buffer space due to inadequate validation. In terms of tactical behavior within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this exploit vector falls under Initial Access techniques involving Physical Interaction with Hardware Devices, specifically leveraging trusted peripheral connections to bypass network-based security perimeters. The attack relies on the system's implicit trust in hardware interfaces, highlighting a critical intersection between physical security and software integrity. Attackers often utilize such vulnerabilities during targeted engagements where they have brief opportunities for physical contact, making detection difficult without specialized monitoring tools that inspect USB or Thunderbolt traffic patterns for anomalies.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software updates to iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, and macOS Tahoe 26.7, which contain patches that enforce stricter input validation protocols within the relevant drivers and subsystems. These fixes likely include enhanced bounds checking, improved error handling for malformed descriptors, and potentially additional runtime protections to detect memory corruption attempts before they can be exploited. For organizations managing fleets of Apple devices, ensuring timely deployment of these updates is critical to closing this attack surface. Additionally, users should exercise caution when connecting unknown or untrusted accessories to their devices, particularly in high-security environments where physical access controls are paramount. Implementing device management policies that restrict the use of external peripherals can further reduce exposure until all systems are fully patched. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual peripheral connections and system crashes following hardware attachments, as these may signal attempted exploitation activities against unpatched endpoints.