CVE-2026-43679

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improved Permissions Check in watchOS Allows Contact Access

Publication date: 2026-08-21

Last updated on: 2026-08-24

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description

This issue was addressed with improved permissions checking. This issue is fixed in watchOS 26.4. An attacker with physical access to a locked Apple Watch may be able to view user contacts.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-21

Last Modified

2026-08-24

Generated

2026-09-10

AI Q&A

2026-08-21

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-09

NVD

CVE-2026-43679

EUVD

EUVD-2026-63777

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
apple	watchos	to 26.4 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-284	The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves an attacker with physical access to a locked Apple Watch being able to view user contacts. It was addressed by Apple with improved permissions checking in watchOS 26.4.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability requires physical access to a locked Apple Watch and is addressed by updating to watchOS 26.4. Detection involves checking the current watchOS version on the device. Use the Apple Watch app on an iPhone to verify the software version under My Watch > General > Software Update.

Impact Analysis

If an attacker gains physical access to your locked Apple Watch, they could potentially view your stored contacts, compromising your privacy and personal information.

Compliance Impact

The vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to a locked Apple Watch to view user contacts, which could potentially expose personal data. This may impact compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA if such data is considered protected health or personally identifiable information.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26.4 or later to address the vulnerability. Ensure the device is connected to power and Wi-Fi for the update to install.

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