CVE-2026-86946: A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-86946?

macos: upgrade to 15.8.2, 26.7.2, 27.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-86946 being exploited?

CVE-2026-86946 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-86946 affect?

CVE-2026-86946 affects macos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memor

Routine

HIGH 7.7UPGRADE

CVE-2026-86946 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.7) affecting macos. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.7 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 88%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2026-10-26
Last modified	2026-11-03

Publisher (CNA): Apple Inc. · Vendor: apple

Last updated 2026-11-03 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-10-26 21:20 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-11-03 20:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apple macos UPGRADE

Affected: < 15.8.2 · >= 26.0 and < 26.7.2 · >= 27.0 and < 27.2

Fixed in: 15.8.2, 26.7.2, 27.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 26.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Advisories and coverage

Research and news

Vulners Bulletins: CVE-2026-86946 2026-10-26

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-86946?

macos: upgrade to 15.8.2, 26.7.2, 27.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-86946 being exploited?

CVE-2026-86946 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-86946 affect?

CVE-2026-86946 affects macos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). A use-after-free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memor

How urgent is CVE-2026-86946?

Priority 30/100. High severity

Software pages

macOS vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-84579 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE A logic issue was addressed with improved checks
CVE-2026-86868 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management
CVE-2026-86871 MEDIUM 5.9 UPGRADE An integer underflow was addressed with improved input validation
CVE-2026-86907 MEDIUM 4.4 UPGRADE An authorization issue was addressed with improved entitlement checks
CVE-2026-86914 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE An information disclosure issue was addressed with improved state management

References

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