🟢 CVE-2026-20700

Memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows arbitrary code execution with memory write capability. Despite being in CISA KEV due to active exploitation, this affects client-side operating systems that are rarely deployed as internet-facing servers.

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LOW_RISK
Risk Level
7.8
CVSS Score
LOCAL
Attack Vector
Privilege Escalation
ATT&CK Tactic
T1068 — Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
ATT&CK Technique
LOW
Deployment Risk
No
Ransomware

📋 Vulnerability Details

Data Source: CIRCL

Confidence: HIGH

Exploitation Method: OTHER

CVE Published: 2026-02-11

Added to CISA KEV: 2026-02-12 1 DAY BETWEEN CVE AND KEV

🎯 Recommendations:

🔍 Web Intelligence (Kagi · 2026-06-04)

CVE-2026-20700 is a critical memory corruption vulnerability located in Apple's `dyld` (Dynamic Link Editor) component, which was identified as an actively exploited zero-day vulnerability in early 2026 [2] [5].

Key Details of CVE-2026-20700
FeatureDetails
Vulnerability TypeMemory corruption (improper state management in `dyld`) [4] [3]
Active ExploitationYes, it was actively exploited in the wild prior to the release of security patches [2] [1]
ImpactAllows an attacker with memory write capability to execute arbitrary code, leading to full device compromise [3] [5]
Attack ContextUsed in "extremely sophisticated" targeted attacks [1]
Patch StatusFixed in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, and tvOS 26.3 [4]
Additional Information
  • Exploitation Requirements: The vulnerability is triggered by improper state handling, which can be exploited by writing to memory buffers [3]. It typically serves as a component in complex exploit chains rather than a standalone entry point [1].
  • Targeted Attacks vs. Ransomware: Reports indicate the vulnerability was utilized in highly sophisticated targeted attacks rather than broad, automated ransomware campaigns [1].
  • Proof-of-Concept: While technical analyses and discussions regarding the underlying `dyld` code changes exist, the vulnerability is primarily noted for its role in real-world, high-stakes exploitation [1] [6].

Sources

  1. CVE-2026-20700 PoC: The dyld Zero-Day That Turns “Memory Write” Into ...

    CVE-2026-20700 is an actively exploited Apple zero-day in dyld (the Dynamic Link Editor). Apple says attackers with “memory write capability” may execute arbitrary code, and the issue was used in “extremely sophisticated” targeted attacks on iOS versions prior to iOS 26. This deep-dive explains what…

  2. Apple Fixes Exploited Zero-Day Affecting iOS, macOS, and Other Devices

    Apple releases security updates fixing exploited dyld zero-day CVE-2026-20700 enabling code execution across iOS, macOS, and Apple devices.

  3. CVE-2026-20700 - Vulnerability Details - OpenCVE

    A memory corruption flaw allows an attacker with memory write capabilities to run code of their choice. The vulnerability is tied to improper state handling and can be triggered by writing to memory buffers, leading to execution of arbitrary instructions. This poses a severe threat to confidentialit…

  4. CVE-2026-20700 Detail - NVD

    Description. A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, tvOS ... Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

  5. CVE-2026-20700: Apple Patches Zero-Day Exploited ... - SOC Prime

    CVE-2026-20700 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple's dyld component. Apple states that an attacker with memory write capability may be ...

  6. Commit that fixed the dyld memory corruption CVE-2026-20700?

    Is this commit the fix for the CVE-2026-20700 dyld memory corruption exploit? dyld/Loader.cpp | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), ...