CVE-2026-20654
Description
The issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
A memory handling issue in multiple Apple OS versions could allow an app to cause unexpected system termination.
Vulnerability
Overview CVE-2026-20654 is a memory handling issue in Apple operating systems. The root cause is improved memory handling, which typically involves a use-after-free or similar memory corruption bug. The issue affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS prior to version 26.3 [1][3][4].
Exploitation
An attacker would need to convince the user to run a malicious app. The app can then trigger the vulnerability, leading to unexpected system termination. No user interaction beyond launching the app is required, and the attack surface is local as it requires an installed app.
Impact
Successful exploitation results in a denial of service (DoS) by causing the system to terminate unexpectedly. This can lead to loss of unsaved data and disruption of device operation.
Mitigation
Apple has addressed the issue in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and watchOS 26.3. Users should update their devices to the latest available versions to mitigate the vulnerability [1][3][4].
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
11cpe:2.3:o:apple:tvos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 1 more
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:tvos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*range: <26.3
- (no CPE)range: <26.3
cpe:2.3:o:apple:visionos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 1 more
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:visionos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*range: <26.3
- (no CPE)range: <26.3
cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 1 more
- cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*range: <26.3
- (no CPE)range: <26.3
- Range: <26.3
- Range: <26.3
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
5- support.apple.com/en-us/126346nvdRelease NotesVendor Advisory
- support.apple.com/en-us/126348nvdRelease 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
0No linked articles in our index yet.