CVE-2026-20628
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a sandbox escape vulnerability in multiple Apple operating systems where an app can bypass its security restrictions. It affects users of watchOS, tvOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS who haven't applied the latest security updates. The vulnerability allows malicious apps to access resources outside their designated sandbox.
💻 Affected Systems
- watchOS
- tvOS
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could gain full system access, steal sensitive data, install persistent malware, or compromise other apps and system services.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could access user data from other apps, modify system settings, or perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, risk is limited to zero-day exploits from untrusted app sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, iOS 18.7.5, iPadOS 18.7.5, visionOS 26.3, iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/126346
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/visionOS. 2. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update on macOS. 3. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on tvOS. 4. Download and install the latest security update. 5. Restart the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store and avoid sideloading or third-party app stores.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict app vetting and only allow installation of trusted, verified applications
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and restrict app installation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the current OS version against the patched versions listed in the affected systems section.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/visionOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac. tvOS: Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions: watchOS 26.3+, tvOS 26.3+, macOS Tahoe 26.3+, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4+, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4+, iOS 18.7.5+, iPadOS 18.7.5+, visionOS 26.3+, iOS 26.3+, iPadOS 26.3+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app behavior logs
- Sandbox violation logs in system logs
- Unexpected permission requests from apps
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network connections from apps that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
Search for sandbox violation events or unexpected app behavior in Apple device logs🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126346
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126347
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126348
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126349
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126350
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126351
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126352
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/126353
