CVE-2026-20627
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
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| 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 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. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
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.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
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.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
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.