CVE-2026-28972: An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or write kernel memory in Apple iOS and iPadOS
CVE-2026-28972 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could allow an app to cause unexpected system termination or write to kernel memory. The issue was addressed by improved input validation and fixed in iOS 18. 7. 9 and iPadOS 18. 7. 9, among other Apple operating system versions. This vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The patch is available in the specified OS versions.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write condition in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could be triggered by a malicious app to cause unexpected system termination or to write to kernel memory, potentially impacting system stability and security. Apple fixed this issue by improving input validation. The fix is included in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, as well as updates to macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to run a malicious app on a vulnerable device could cause the system to terminate unexpectedly or write to kernel memory, which may lead to system instability or potential privilege escalation. No known active exploits have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available and included in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, and corresponding updates for other Apple operating systems. Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
CVE-2026-28972: An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or write kernel memory in Apple iOS and iPadOS
Description
CVE-2026-28972 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could allow an app to cause unexpected system termination or write to kernel memory. The issue was addressed by improved input validation and fixed in iOS 18. 7. 9 and iPadOS 18. 7. 9, among other Apple operating system versions. This vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The patch is available in the specified OS versions.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write condition in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could be triggered by a malicious app to cause unexpected system termination or to write to kernel memory, potentially impacting system stability and security. Apple fixed this issue by improving input validation. The fix is included in iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9, as well as updates to macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to run a malicious app on a vulnerable device could cause the system to terminate unexpectedly or write to kernel memory, which may lead to system instability or potential privilege escalation. No known active exploits have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available and included in iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, and corresponding updates for other Apple operating systems. Users and administrators should apply these updates promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.
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: 6a02875ccbff5d86108b657a
Added to database: 5/12/2026, 1:50:20 AM
Last enriched: 5/12/2026, 2:03:23 AM
Last updated: 5/12/2026, 3:47:29 AM
Views: 2
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