What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-20700?

CVE-2026-20700 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.4%.

Which versions of macOS are affected by CVE-2026-20700?

A HIGH severity memory corruption vulnerability (CVE-2026-20700) is actively being exploited in the wild across Apple's entire ecosystem (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, visionOS).

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2026-20700?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2026-20700. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 0.4%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2026-20700?

Within 24 hours: Inventory all Apple devices (mobile, desktop, wearables) in your environment and disable non-essential network access where feasible. Within 7 days: Implement enhanced endpoint monitoring for suspicious process behavior, memory access patterns, and lateral movement; escalate this to your SOC. Within 30 days: Establish a rapid patch deployment process with Apple when version 26.3 releases across all platforms, prioritizing devices with sensitive data access.

macOS CVE-2026-20700

HIGH

Buffer Overflow (CWE-119)

2026-02-11 product-security@apple.com

Apple RCE Buffer Overflow macOS iOS

7.8

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.8 HIGH

AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Local

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

Low

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Added to CISA KEV

Mar 25, 2026 - 17:39 cisa

CISA KEV

PoC Detected

Mar 25, 2026 - 17:39 vuln.today

Public exploit code

Analysis Generated

Mar 12, 2026 - 22:02 vuln.today

CVE Published

Feb 11, 2026 - 23:16 nvd

HIGH 7.8

DescriptionCVE.org

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, visionOS 26.3, iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 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.

AnalysisAI

Apple's kernel across all platforms (iOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, tvOS) contains a memory corruption vulnerability (CVE-2026-20700, CVSS 7.8) that allows attackers with memory write capability to execute arbitrary code at the kernel level. KEV-listed with Apple confirming reports of sophisticated in-the-wild exploitation, this represents an active zero-day targeting the Apple ecosystem at its most fundamental security boundary.

Technical ContextAI

This kernel vulnerability requires the attacker to already have memory write capability (typically through a prior vulnerability in a userspace process or browser). The kernel bug then serves as the second stage in an exploit chain — escalating from userspace code execution to full kernel control. Apple's description of 'extremely sophisticated' exploitation suggests this is being used by advanced threat actors (likely commercial spyware vendors) in targeted attacks.

RemediationAI

Update all Apple devices immediately. This is confirmed exploited by sophisticated actors. Push updates via MDM for enterprise devices. Verify update installation. High-risk individuals should check for spyware indicators using tools like iVerify or mobile threat defense solutions.