CVE-2016-7621

HIGH

watchOS < 3.1.3 - Use-After-Free in Kernel

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2016-7621. PoCs published by Google Security Research.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit leverages a reference count overflow in the XNU kernel's mach port handling (CVE-2026-7621) to achieve local privilege escalation by impersonating kernel-owned ports and intercepting task ports from other processes.

Description

An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. iOS before 10.2 is affected. macOS before 10.12.2 is affected. watchOS before 3.1.3 is affected. The issue involves the "Kernel" component. It allows local users to execute arbitrary code in a privileged context or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) via unspecified vectors.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Google Security Research · clocalmacos
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40956

This exploit leverages a reference count overflow in the XNU kernel's mach port handling (CVE-2026-7621) to achieve local privilege escalation by impersonating kernel-owned ports and intercepting task ports from other processes.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Apple XNU kernel (macOS 10.12 16a323)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to the target system · Ability to trigger the reference count overflow
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (6)

Core 6
Core References
Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://support.apple.com/HT207487
Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://support.apple.com/HT207422
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94905
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037469
Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://support.apple.com/HT207423
Exploit, Third Party Advisory exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40956/

Scores

CVSS v3 7.8
EPSS 0.0016
EPSS Percentile 36.7%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Details

CWE
CWE-416
Status published
Products (3)
apple/iphone_os < 10.1.1
apple/mac_os_x < 10.12.1
apple/watchos < 2.2.2
Published Feb 20, 2017
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026