# CVE-2026-86886: Apple iOS path traversal in system file access

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86886-apple-ios-path-traversal-in-system-file-access  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-14. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-86886 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5.5 · Published 2026-09-14

A path traversal vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS allows malicious apps to bypass file system protections and modify protected system files. An attacker could use this flaw to alter critical system components, potentially compromising device integrity, stability, and security. Apple patched this in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, and later versions.

Technologies: [Apple iPadOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ipados), [Apple Iphone Os](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/iphone-os), [Apple watchOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/watchos). Vendors: [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86886 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86886 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86886?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5.5, published 14 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apple iPadOS before 26.7 and before 27; Apple watchOS before 27.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86886?** A patch was published on 2026-09-14: Fixed in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-86886 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86886?** Check whether you run Apple iPadOS, Apple Iphone Os or Apple watchOS 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.

## Technical details

A path traversal vulnerability allows an app to bypass file system access controls through inadequate input validation. The vulnerability exists in iOS and iPadOS, permitting a local app to craft malicious file paths (using techniques like ../ sequences) to access and modify protected system files outside the intended application sandbox. Exploitation requires the malicious app to be installed on the device (local attack vector). The fix involves improved input validation to prevent path traversal sequences. Apple addressed this in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27.

## Affected products

- Apple iOS before 26.7 and before 27
- Apple iPadOS before 26.7 and before 27
- Apple watchOS before 27

## Timeline

- 2026-09-14: disclosed
- 2026-09-14: patched: Fixed in iOS 26.7, iPadOS 26.7, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27

## References

- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149034](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149034)
- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149037](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149037)

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