CVE-2026-86886: An app may be able to modify protected system files in Apple iOS and iPadOS
A path traversal issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, watchOS 27. An app may be able to modify protected system files.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability involves a path traversal flaw in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could enable a malicious app to modify protected system files. The underlying issue was mitigated by enhancing input validation to prevent unauthorized file system access. The vulnerability affects versions prior to iOS and iPadOS 26.7 and 27, with patches released in these versions and watchOS 27.
Potential Impact
If exploited, an app could gain the ability to modify protected system files, potentially compromising system integrity and security. This could lead to unauthorized changes to the operating system environment. However, there is no indication of known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apply the official fixes by updating to iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or watchOS 27. These versions include improved input validation that addresses the path traversal vulnerability. No additional mitigation is required once the update is applied.
CVE-2026-86886: An app may be able to modify protected system files in Apple iOS and iPadOS
Description
A path traversal issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.7 and iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, watchOS 27. An app may be able to modify protected system files.
Affected software
Apple
iOS and iPadOS
Apple
watchOS
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability involves a path traversal flaw in Apple iOS and iPadOS that could enable a malicious app to modify protected system files. The underlying issue was mitigated by enhancing input validation to prevent unauthorized file system access. The vulnerability affects versions prior to iOS and iPadOS 26.7 and 27, with patches released in these versions and watchOS 27.
Potential Impact
If exploited, an app could gain the ability to modify protected system files, potentially compromising system integrity and security. This could lead to unauthorized changes to the operating system environment. However, there is no indication of known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apply the official fixes by updating to iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or watchOS 27. These versions include improved input validation that addresses the path traversal vulnerability. No additional mitigation is required once the update is applied.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-08T16:43:41.872Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aa8611655bf5e2cf59d2f80
Added to database: 09/14/2026, 21:03:18 UTC
Last enriched: 09/14/2026, 21:32:26 UTC
Last updated: 09/15/2026, 04:01:22 UTC
Views: 8
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