CVE-2026-65400

Published Aug 6, 2026

Last updated 25 days ago

Exploit known CVSS critical 9.8

Docker

Zero-day

Supply chain

Overview

AI description

Automated description summarized from trusted sources.

CVE-2026-65400 is an authentication bypass vulnerability affecting the Screen Sharing service in macOS. This flaw allows an attacker on the network to authenticate to Screen Sharing without needing valid credentials. The vulnerability stems from an issue with improved state management, specifically an error in the implementation of Secure Remote Password (SRP) authentication where the daemon's frame-length validator incorrectly returns a stale success status, leading to a connection being treated as authenticated when it is not. Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-65400 can grant unauthorized remote access to affected macOS systems. Security researchers have indicated that exploitation can extend beyond merely viewing a user's screen, potentially allowing an attacker to gain substantial control, including root access, over the compromised Mac. Apple released patches for this vulnerability on August 6, 2026, for macOS Sequoia (version 15.7.9), macOS Sonoma (version 14.8.9), and macOS Tahoe (version 26.6.1).

Description: An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.9, macOS Sonoma 14.8.9, macOS Tahoe 26.6.1. An attacker on the network may be able to authenticate to Screen Sharing without valid credentials.
Source: product-security@apple.com
NVD status: Analyzed
Products: macos

Risk scores

CVSS 3.1

Type: Secondary
Base score: 9.8
Impact score: 5.9
Exploitability score: 3.9
Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity: CRITICAL

Known exploits

Data from CISA

Vulnerability name: Apple macOS Improper Authentication Vulnerability
Exploit added on: Aug 18, 2026
Exploit action due: Aug 21, 2026
Required action: Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

Weaknesses

134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0: CWE-287

Hype score: Not currently trending

Configurations

[
  {
    "nodes": [
      {
        "cpeMatch": [
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "343D2ED2-0928-434D-9D9E-968A6365DDFE",
            "versionEndExcluding": "14.8.9",
            "versionStartIncluding": "14.0",
            "vulnerable": true
          },
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "E0FAFB32-637E-4BE3-8A5D-ABB145B1E28B",
            "versionEndExcluding": "15.7.9",
            "versionStartIncluding": "15.0",
            "vulnerable": true
          },
          {
            "criteria": "cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*",
            "matchCriteriaId": "31BB841D-2EFD-42A5-9387-685A27D3094E",
            "versionEndExcluding": "26.6.1",
            "versionStartIncluding": "26.0",
            "vulnerable": true
          }
        ],
        "negate": false,
        "operator": "OR"
      }
    ]
  }
]

References

Sources include official advisories and independent security research.