Ethical Hacking News
Apple has released software updates to address a new zero-day flaw that could potentially allow attackers with memory write capability to execute arbitrary code on susceptible devices.
Apple has released software updates to address a new zero-day flaw (CVE-2026-20700) that was exploited in sophisticated cyber attacks. The vulnerability affects devices running iOS 26.3 and earlier, as well as macOS Tahoe 26.3 and earlier. Other vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529) were also addressed in the updates, which relate to memory corruption issues in ANGLE's Metal renderer component and WebKit, respectively. The impact of this zero-day exploit will depend on device configuration, data handling, and threat level posed by an attacker. Apple is prioritizing security with these updates, demonstrating its commitment to protecting users from cyber threats.
Apple has recently released a series of software updates to address a new zero-day flaw that it said has been exploited in sophisticated cyber attacks. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-20700 (CVSS score: 7.8), has been described as a memory corruption issue in dyld, Apple's Dynamic Link Editor. This means that an attacker with the ability to write memory could potentially execute arbitrary code on susceptible devices.
According to Apple, this specific zero-day was first reported by Google Threat Analysis Group (TAG) and has been attributed to an extremely sophisticated attack against targeted individuals running versions of iOS before iOS 26. However, it is worth noting that both CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529 were also issued in response to this report. These latter two vulnerabilities relate to an out-of-bounds memory access in ANGLE's Metal renderer component (CVE-2025-14174) and a use-after-free vulnerability in WebKit (CVE-2025-43529), both of which could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content.
The updates are available for the following devices and operating systems - iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, iPhone 11 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 8th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later; MacOS Tahoe 26.3, Macs running macOS Tahoe; tvOS 26.3, Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models); watchOS 26.3, Apple Watch Series 6 and later; visionOS 26.3, Apple Vision Pro (all models). Additionally, there are separate updates for older versions of iOS, iPadOs, macOS, and Safari - iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPad 7th generation; MacOS Sequoia 15.7.4, Macs running macOS Sequoia; MacOS Sonoma 14.8.4, Macs running macOS Sonoma.
The discovery of this zero-day is a significant reminder that modern software and hardware are not immune to exploitation by sophisticated cyber attackers. In the past year alone, Apple has patched nine zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited in the wild, including CVE-2025-14174 (CVSS score: 8.8), which relates to an out-of-bounds memory access in ANGLE's Metal renderer component, and CVE-2025-43529 (CVSS score: 8.8), a use-after-free vulnerability in WebKit that may lead to arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content.
The impact of this zero-day exploit on individuals running susceptible versions of iOS or macOS will depend on their specific device configuration, the type of data they are handling, and the level of threat posed by an attacker. However, it is clear that the exploitation of this memory corruption issue could potentially lead to significant security breaches, including the theft of sensitive information, disruption of critical services, and even physical harm in extreme cases.
The release of these software updates marks a new chapter in Apple's ongoing efforts to protect its users from cyber threats. By addressing this zero-day exploit, the company is demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing security and providing timely support for vulnerable devices. This effort serves as an important reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility between device manufacturers, software developers, and individuals alike.
The discovery of this zero-day also highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game played by cyber attackers and defense specialists. As new vulnerabilities are discovered and patched, sophisticated attackers continue to adapt and evolve their tactics, pushing the boundaries of what is thought possible in terms of exploiting security flaws.
In conclusion, the recent release of software updates by Apple to address a zero-day flaw highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance in cybersecurity. By staying informed about emerging threats and taking steps to protect themselves, individuals can reduce the risk of falling victim to sophisticated cyber attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/A-New-Zero-Day-Exploit-Reveals-the-Sophistication-of-Modern-Cyber-Threats-Apple-Addresses-a-Memory-Corruption-Issue-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2026/02/apple-fixes-exploited-zero-day.html
https://www.securityweek.com/apple-patches-ios-zero-day-exploited-in-extremely-sophisticated-attack/
Published: Wed Feb 18 17:43:22 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
