CVE-2026-20627
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Improper Environment Variable Validation in Apple OS Allows Data Access

Publication date: 2026-02-11

Last updated on: 2026-04-02

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
An issue existed in the handling of environment variables. This issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, visionOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-02-11
Last Modified
2026-04-02
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-02-12
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-20627
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple ipados to 26.3 (exc)
apple iphone_os to 26.3 (exc)
apple visionos to 26.3 (exc)
apple watchos to 26.3 (exc)
apple macos From 26.0 (inc) to 26.3 (exc)
apple macos From 14.0 (inc) to 14.8.4 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-20 The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is related to the improper handling of environment variables in certain Apple operating systems. The issue was that environment variables were not properly validated, which could allow an application to access sensitive user data. The problem has been fixed by improving the validation process in watchOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, visionOS 26.3, iOS 26.3, and iPadOS 26.3.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow a malicious app to access sensitive user data by exploiting the improper validation of environment variables. This means that personal or confidential information stored on affected Apple devices could potentially be exposed to unauthorized applications.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

I don't know

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Apple devices to the fixed versions of the operating systems: watchOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, visionOS 26.3, iOS 26.3, or iPadOS 26.3.

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