CVE-2026-28866
Received Received - Intake
Symlink Validation Flaw in Apple OS Allows Data Access

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-03-25

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
This issue was addressed with improved validation of symlinks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7, iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, macOS Tahoe 26.4. An app may be able to access sensitive user data.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-25
Last Modified
2026-03-25
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-25
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-28866
EUVD
EUVD-2026-15145
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 7 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple macos From 14.0 (inc) to 14.8.5 (exc)
apple macos From 15.0 (inc) to 15.7.5 (exc)
apple macos From 26.0 (inc) to 26.4 (exc)
apple ipados to 18.7.7 (exc)
apple ipados From 26.0 (inc) to 26.4 (exc)
apple iphone_os to 18.7.7 (exc)
apple iphone_os From 26.0 (inc) to 26.4 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-59 The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves improper validation of symbolic links (symlinks) in certain Apple operating systems. Due to this issue, an application may be able to access sensitive user data by exploiting the way symlinks are handled.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can allow an app to access sensitive user data without proper authorization, potentially leading to data exposure or privacy breaches.

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 as soon as possible.

  • Update iOS devices to iOS 18.7.7 or iOS 26.4.
  • Update iPadOS devices to iPadOS 18.7.7 or iPadOS 26.4.
  • Update macOS devices to macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, or macOS Tahoe 26.4.
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