# CVE-2026-113961: Apple Messages authorization bypass in iMessage group chat

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113961-an-authorization-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-validation  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-09. Updated: 2026-11-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-113961 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-11-09

iMessage is Apple's encrypted messaging service used by millions of iOS and Mac users to exchange private messages. A remote attacker can exploit an authorization flaw to join an iMessage group chat without being invited and receive all messages in that conversation. This could allow unauthorized access to sensitive group communications.

Technologies: [Apple Ios](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/apple-ios), [Apple iPadOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ipados), [Apple macOS Golden Gate](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos-golden-gate), [Apple macOS Sequoia](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos), [Apple Visionos](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/visionos), [Apple watchOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/watchos). Vendors: [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-113961 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-113961 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-113961?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 9 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apple Ios before 26.7.3, 27.0 before 27.2.1; Apple iPadOS before 26.7.3, 27.0 before 27.2.1; Apple macOS Golden Gate before 27.2.1; Apple macOS Sequoia before 15.8.3; and 3 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-113961?** Yes: fixed in iOS 26.7.3, iOS 27.2.1; iPadOS 26.7.3, iPadOS 27.2.1; macOS Sequoia 15.8.3; macOS Golden Gate 27.2.1; macOS Tahoe 26.7.3; visionOS 27.2.1; watchOS 27.2.1. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-113961 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-113961?** Check whether you run Apple Ios, Apple iPadOS, Apple macOS Golden Gate or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in iOS 26.7.3, iOS 27.2.1; iPadOS 26.7.3, iPadOS 27.2.1; macOS Sequoia 15.8.3; macOS Golden Gate 27.2.1; macOS Tahoe 26.7.3; visionOS 27.2.1; watchOS 27.2.1

## Technical details

An authorization validation flaw in the Messages app's iMessage group chat functionality allows a remote attacker to bypass access controls. The attacker can join an existing group chat conversation and decrypt/receive all messages without proper authentication or group membership. The vulnerability was addressed through improved validation logic in the patched releases.

## Affected products

- Apple iOS before 26.7.3, 27.0 before 27.2.1
- Apple iPadOS before 26.7.3, 27.0 before 27.2.1
- Apple macOS Sequoia before 15.8.3
- Apple macOS Golden Gate before 27.2.1
- Apple macOS Tahoe before 26.7.3
- Apple visionOS before 27.2.1
- Apple watchOS before 27.2.1

## Timeline

- 2026-11-09: disclosed
- 2026-11-09: patched

## References

- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149715](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149715)
- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149716](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149716)

## Related threats

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- [Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and related platforms rate limit bypass in AirPlay pairing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113969-a-logic-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-state-management-this)
- [Apple iOS and iPadOS Bluetooth pairing code rate limit bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113968-a-logic-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-state-management-this)
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