CVE-2026-28969: An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination in Apple iOS and iPadOS
CVE-2026-28969 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could allow an app to cause unexpected system termination. The issue was addressed by Apple with improved memory management and fixed in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, among other Apple operating systems. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.5. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition in Apple iOS and iPadOS, which could be triggered by a malicious app to cause unexpected system termination (crash). Apple fixed the issue by improving memory management in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, as well as in other related Apple OS versions. The CVSS vector indicates the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without privileges or user interaction, with high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.
Potential Impact
An attacker controlling a malicious app could cause the affected Apple devices to unexpectedly terminate system processes, potentially leading to denial of service or disruption of normal device operation. The confidentiality impact is rated high, indicating potential exposure of sensitive information, but integrity and availability impacts are not indicated.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released official fixes for this vulnerability in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, and other Apple operating systems. Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to remediate the issue. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory indicating the issue is fixed in these versions.
CVE-2026-28969: An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination in Apple iOS and iPadOS
Description
CVE-2026-28969 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could allow an app to cause unexpected system termination. The issue was addressed by Apple with improved memory management and fixed in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, among other Apple operating systems. The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS score of 7.5. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition in Apple iOS and iPadOS, which could be triggered by a malicious app to cause unexpected system termination (crash). Apple fixed the issue by improving memory management in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, as well as in other related Apple OS versions. The CVSS vector indicates the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without privileges or user interaction, with high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.
Potential Impact
An attacker controlling a malicious app could cause the affected Apple devices to unexpectedly terminate system processes, potentially leading to denial of service or disruption of normal device operation. The confidentiality impact is rated high, indicating potential exposure of sensitive information, but integrity and availability impacts are not indicated.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released official fixes for this vulnerability in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, and other Apple operating systems. Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to remediate the issue. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory indicating the issue is fixed in these versions.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-03T16:36:03.992Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a02875ccbff5d86108b656b
Added to database: 05/12/2026, 01:50:20 UTC
Last enriched: 05/19/2026, 10:57:57 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 88
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.