CVE-2026-20700 Apple Multiple Buffer Overflow

Exploited in the wild High 7.8 Published 11 Feb 2026 Updated 2 Apr 2026

An attacker with memory write capability can execute arbitrary code on Apple devices, requiring an OS upgrade to mitigate.

Exploited in the wild: Since 12 Feb 2026
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-20700?

CVE-2026-20700 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Apple Ipados, published on 11 Feb 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. 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 attacker with memory write capability may be able to execute arbitrary code. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26. CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529 were also issued in response to this report.

Weakness: CWE-119

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20700?

It affects 6 products.

Products include Apple Ipados, Apple Iphone Os, Apple Macos, Apple Tvos, Apple Visionos, Apple Watchos.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20700?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-20700 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 5 Mar 2026.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2026-20700 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2026-20700 in the wild since at least 12 Feb 2026.

Public exploit code: 2 proofs of concept on GitHub.

All Apple Ipados vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-j5x8-2r52-c3ff.