How severe is CVE-2026-43688?

CVE-2026-43688 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-43688 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-43688?

CVE-2026-43688 primarily affects Apple Ipados. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-43688?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2026-43688 published?

CVE-2026-43688 was published on 2026-09-14 and last updated on 2026-09-17.

CVE-2026-43688

CVE-2026-43688 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Ipados with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-1021.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-1021
Affected product: Apple Ipados
Published: 2026-09-14
Last modified: 2026-09-17

Description

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-43688?: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected app termination.
How severe is CVE-2026-43688?: CVE-2026-43688 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-43688 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-43688?: CVE-2026-43688 primarily affects Apple Ipados. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-43688?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2026-43688 published?: CVE-2026-43688 was published on 2026-09-14 and last updated on 2026-09-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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