CVE-2026-112430 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
An authentication issue was addressed with improved validation of user attributes. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical authentication flaw within the operating system's user attribute validation mechanisms, specifically affecting versions of macOS prior to Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, and Tahoe 26.7.2. This issue stems from insufficient verification processes when handling user attributes during privilege escalation attempts or administrative actions. In a properly secured system, the operating system must rigorously validate all input parameters related to user identity and permissions before granting elevated access rights. The deficiency in this validation logic allows an application to bypass standard authentication checks by manipulating or exploiting gaps in how these attributes are processed. This represents a classic case of improper privilege management where the software fails to enforce intended restrictions on authorized actions, effectively allowing lower-privileged processes to interact with system components as if they possessed higher-level credentials.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns closely with CWE-269, which categorizes Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities. The core issue lies in the application or operating system component not correctly validating user attributes before granting access to sensitive resources or administrative functions. When an app exploits this weakness, it can trick the system into believing that a request originates from a trusted source with sufficient authority. This bypasses the intended security boundaries established by macOS's sandboxing and permission models. The exploitation likely involves crafting specific requests or modifying environment variables in a way that circumvents the authentication layer, leading to an unauthorized elevation of privileges. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow malicious software operating under standard user permissions to gain root access, which is the highest level of privilege on Unix-based systems like macOS.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables local attackers or compromised applications to execute arbitrary code with full administrative control over the system. Once an app gains root privileges, it can modify system files, install persistent malware, disable security features such as Gatekeeper or FileVault, and access sensitive user data including passwords, financial information, and personal documents. This level of access effectively compromises the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the entire device. Attackers could use this foothold to establish a permanent presence on the system, pivot to other devices on the network if connected, or exfiltrate critical intellectual property. The ability for an app to gain root privileges undermines the fundamental security model of macOS, which relies heavily on strict isolation between user applications and core system processes.
This type of vulnerability is often associated with ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities or misconfigurations to increase their access level within a host environment. The lack of robust validation in user attributes creates an attack vector that can be automated by malware authors targeting unpatched systems. Mitigation requires immediate patching of the affected macOS versions to ensure that the improved validation logic is applied during all authentication and privilege-check operations. Administrators should enforce strict application control policies using tools like Gatekeeper or third-party endpoint protection solutions to prevent unauthorized applications from executing, even if they attempt to exploit this flaw. Additionally, implementing least-privilege principles across user accounts reduces the potential blast radius of such an exploitation event. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities can also help detect attempts to leverage this vulnerability before significant damage occurs.