Technology

macOS has a 49.7-day networking time bomb built in that only a reboot fixes — comparison operation on unreliable time value stops machines dead in their tracks

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Apr 7, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

A networking time bomb in macOS causes machines to fail after precisely 49.7 days of uptime, requiring a reboot to fix. The issue stems from a bug in Apple's XNU kernel related to a networking-related timer that overflows after the specified time. This bug leads to the TCP stack becoming unresponsive, impacting network connections. The problem has been identified by the team at Photon, who are working on a solution to address the issue. The issue has been observed in Macs used as servers and has been linked to various bugs reported in Apple Community forums.

Read Full Article

First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

A new memory exploit, the first for Apple M5 chips, has been discovered using Anthropic AI, granting root access on MacOS by bypassing Memory Integrity Enforcement. The exploit, discovered by security researchers at Calif, allows a standard user to gain administrator access on the machine. The vulnerability was disclosed to Apple in advance and is part of a series of security findings aided by AI tools. The exploit chain successfully evades MIE, a security feature on M5 chips that enforces memory integrity checks at the hardware level. This discovery highlights the ongoing challenges in securing operating systems against evolving threats.

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Apple has quietly removed the option for a 128GB memory capacity in the Mac Studio due to supply constraints and increased demand for AI applications. The highest memory capacity now stands at 96GB, down from the initial 512GB offering. This reduction comes after the discontinuation of the 512GB model two months ago. The global chip shortage has also impacted the availability of Mac Mini models, with the maximum memory capacity now capped at 48GB. Despite increased prices and reduced memory options, delivery times for these devices remain lengthy, with some configurations taking up to 10 weeks to ship.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Apple is in talks with Intel and Samsung to produce processors amid chip shortages, aiming to diversify its supply chain. While discussions are in early stages and no orders have been placed yet, Apple is exploring options beyond its current supplier, TSMC. Considering Intel's 18A process for future M-series chips and revisiting partnerships with Samsung and Intel, Apple seeks to reduce reliance on a single supplier. If successful, this move could benefit Intel's foundry business and bolster Samsung's position, ultimately addressing Apple's advanced chip supply challenges.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group

Apple appears to have faced challenges with its Vision Pro product, with reports suggesting the company has all but abandoned it due to high cost and weight issues. Despite efforts to improve the device with a faster M5 chip and redesigned features, sales did not meet expectations. There are conflicting reports about the future of the Vision Pro, with some claiming Apple has reassigned the team to other projects while job postings hint at ongoing development. The uncertainty surrounding the Vision Pro has led to speculation that Apple may be focusing on developing lighter, more advanced smart glasses instead.

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group

Tom's Hardware•

4 weeks ago

macOS has a 49.7-day networking time bomb built in that only a reboot fixes — comparison operation on unreliable time value stops machines dead in their tracks

TL;DR

Similar Articles

First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group

We use cookies

macOS has a 49.7-day networking time bomb built in that only a reboot fixes — comparison operation on unreliable time value stops machines dead in their tracks

TL;DR

Similar Articles

First Apple M5 memory exploit discovered using Anthropic AI, gives root access on MacOS — Claude Mythos helps security researchers bypass Memory Integrity Enforcement

Apple quietly axes 128GB Mac Studio amid supply constraints and local AI frenzy — highest memory capacity reduced to 96GB, two months after discontinuation of 512GB model

Apple considering Intel and Samsung for US chip production, report claims — consumer electronics giant looks to diversify supply chain amid chip shortages

Apple 'has given up' on Vision Pro, report claims — costly price and weight behind purported failure, but the company continues to hire into its Vision Production Group