Arbitrary code execution via dyld memory corruption
Published Feb 11, 2026 · Updated Feb 11, 2026
Memory corruption in dyld in Apple operating systems before 26.3 allows local users with memory-write capability to execute arbitrary code. Dyld mishandles internal state during an operation Apple has not disclosed, corrupting memory after an attacker has already gained a write primitive. The flaw is a second-stage local code-execution primitive rather than initial access; reported exploitation targeted specific individuals on iOS before iOS 26.
Summary
What happened
Memory corruption in dyld in Apple operating systems before 26.3 allows local users with memory-write capability to execute arbitrary code. Dyld mishandles internal state during an operation Apple has not disclosed, corrupting memory after an attacker has already gained a write primitive. The flaw is a second-stage local code-execution primitive rather than initial access; reported exploitation targeted specific individuals on iOS before iOS 26.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-20700
- Published
- Feb 11, 2026
- Updated
- Feb 11, 2026
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS and iPadOS
- Classifications
- CWE-119, T1203
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 11, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 11, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
- Feb 12, 2026Exploitation reportedCISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <26.3
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Reported exploitation
- Targeted exploitation reported by Applereported exploitation
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entryknown exploited catalog
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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