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Vulnerability record · CVE-2026-20700 · published 11 February 2026

CVE-2026-20700: Apple OS memory corruption allows arbitrary code execution

Apple · Ipados

A memory corruption flaw caused by improper state management affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS and watchOS. Apple states it is aware of a report that the issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS versions before iOS 26. The same report also produced CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529.

7.8 CVSS 3.1 High CISA KEV since 12 Feb 2026 EPSS 1.3% · top 29.8% CWE-119 · Memory buffer overflow
7.8CVSS 3.1 base score
1.3%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
YesIn CISA KEV, fix deadline passed
6Affected product versions listed by NVD
6References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3. An attacker with memory write capability may be able to execute arbitrary code. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26. CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529 were also issued in response to this report.

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 17 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityThe flaw is in CISA KEV with confirmed targeted exploitation and a CVSS of 7.8, but it requires local access and existing memory write capability, which limits broad opportunistic abuse.

What it is

A memory corruption flaw caused by improper state management affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS and watchOS. Apple states it is aware of a report that the issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS versions before iOS 26. The same report also produced CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529.

Impact

An attacker who already has memory write capability can execute arbitrary code in the affected process, giving full compromise of confidentiality, integrity and availability on the target device.

Attack surface

The CVSS vector is local (AV:L) with low privileges required (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N), so the flaw is reached by an attacker who already has a foothold and memory write access on the device rather than by remote network traffic. The description does not specify the exact component or entry point.

Exploitation

CVE-2026-20700 is listed in CISA KEV (added 2026-02-12, due 2026-03-05) and Apple states it may have been exploited in a targeted attack, though EPSS 30-day probability is low at 0.01343 (69.9th percentile) and no ransomware use is documented.

What to do

  • Update to iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3 or watchOS 26.3 per Apple advisories 126346, 126348, 126351, 126352 and 126353.
  • Treat pre-iOS 26 devices as exposed and prioritize them for patching, since Apple ties the reported exploitation to versions before iOS 26.
  • Follow CISA KEV required action and BOD 22-01 guidance; the remediation deadline is 2026-03-05.
  • For devices that cannot be updated, restrict use or isolate them from sensitive data and high-value accounts.
  • Monitor for the companion CVEs CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529, which stem from the same report and may need the same fixes.

Detection

  • Inventory Apple devices and flag any still running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS or watchOS versions below the 26.3 releases.
  • Hunt for unexpected process crashes or memory corruption indicators in Apple platform logs on targeted-user devices.
  • Review endpoint telemetry for code execution or memory manipulation activity originating from low-privileged local processes.
  • Track KEV status and vendor advisories for the related CVEs from the same report to catch follow-up patches.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Exploitation in the wild

CISA added CVE-2026-20700 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 12 February 2026 as "Apple Multiple Buffer Overflow Vulnerability". Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Federal deadline 5 March 2026.

Affected products

6 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://support.apple.com/en-us/126346 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/126348 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/126351 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/126352 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/126353 Release NotesVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-20700 US Government Resource

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Related vulnerabilities

Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2026-20700), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.