Symlink Validation Bug in Apple iOS/iPadOS & MacOS (before 18.7.7/14.8.5)
CVE-2026-28866 Published on March 25, 2026
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.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-28866 is exploitable with local system access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is an insecure temporary file Vulnerability?
The software 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.
CVE-2026-28866 has been classified to as an insecure temporary file vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-28866
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Affected Versions
Apple iOS and iPadOS:- Before 18.7.7 is affected.
- Before 26.4 is affected.
- Before 14.8.5 is affected.
- Before 15.7.5 is affected.
- Before 26.4 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.