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
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.
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| 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
KEV
| 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. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
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.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The vulnerability can allow an app to access sensitive user data without proper authorization, potentially leading to data exposure or privacy breaches.
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 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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