Safari: Improper Access Control
CVE-2026-43701 is a high-severity improper access control vulnerability in Safari from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 26.5.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Safari to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.55% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Safari to 26.5.2 or a later version.
- Update iOS and iPadOS to 18.7.10 or 26.5.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update macOS to 26.5.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Safari | before 26.5.2 | 26.5.2 |
| Apple | iOS and iPadOS | before 18.7.10; before 26.5.2 | 18.7.10, 26.5.2 |
| Apple | macOS | before 26.5.2 | 26.5.2 |
| Apple | tvOS | before 26.6 | 26.6 |
| Apple | visionOS | before 26.6 | 26.6 |
| Apple | watchOS | before 26.6 | 26.6 |
| Apple | iPadOS | before 26.5.2 | 26.5.2 |
| Apple | Iphone OS | before 26.5.2 | 26.5.2 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- LowLimited modification of data is possible.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in Safari 26.5.2, iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10, iOS 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2, macOS Tahoe 26.5.2, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, watchOS 26.6. A malicious website may be able to process restricted web content outside the sandbox.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Access Control
The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Safari
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Access Control vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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