CVE-2026-20641
Description
A privacy issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3. An app may be able to identify what other apps a user has installed.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
A privacy issue in Apple operating systems allows an app to identify what other apps a user has installed, addressed in iOS 18.7.5/26.3.
Root
Cause CVE-2026-20641 is a privacy vulnerability affecting multiple Apple platforms. The root cause is an insufficient check that allows an app to enumerate other installed applications on the device [2][4]. Apple addressed the issue by improving checks across affected operating systems.
Exploitation
Exploitation requires the victim to run a malicious app on their device. The app can identify what other apps are installed without requiring additional permissions or physical access [1]. The attack is entirely software-based and can be performed remotely once the malicious app is installed app is opened.
Impact
An attacker can determine the set of applications a user has installed. This information leakage could reveal user habits, preferences, or usage patterns, which may be used for targeted attacks or privacy violations [2][4].
Mitigation
Apple has released security updates for all affected platforms: iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and watchOS 26.3 [1][2][4]. Users should update to the latest version to remediate the vulnerability.
AI Insight generated on May 19, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
9cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 1 more
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*range: <18.7.5
- (no CPE)range: = 18.7.5, = 26.3
- Range: = 18.7.5, = 26.3
- Range: = 15.7.4
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
8- support.apple.com/en-us/126346nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126347nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126348nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126349nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126350nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126351nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126352nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126353nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
News mentions
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