CVE-2026-112437 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. 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 logic error within the operating system's privilege escalation mechanisms, specifically allowing an application to improperly acquire root-level access rights that it should not possess. This type of flaw typically arises when the software fails to correctly validate user permissions or bypasses intended security controls during execution flow. The core technical issue lies in insufficient checks performed by the system before granting elevated privileges, which represents a fundamental failure in enforcing least-privilege principles. Such logic errors are often categorized under CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management or CWE-862 Missing Authorization, as they allow an actor to perform actions beyond their authorized level of access without requiring additional exploitation vectors like buffer overflows or code injection.
From a tactical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to gain higher-level permissions on compromised systems. By gaining root privileges, an attacker can fully control the affected macOS device, including reading sensitive data from protected directories, modifying system configurations, installing persistent malware, and disabling security features such as Gatekeeper or FileVault. The impact is severe because root access effectively neutralizes most endpoint protection measures designed to operate at user-level boundaries.
The issue has been addressed through improved checks within the operating kernel and privilege management subsystems in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. These updates likely involve stricter validation of process identities, enhanced sandboxing enforcement, or corrected logic paths that previously allowed unauthorized elevation. The fix ensures that applications must explicitly demonstrate legitimate need for elevated privileges through proper authentication mechanisms rather than exploiting logical gaps in the permission verification process.
To mitigate this risk, administrators should ensure all macOS devices are updated to the latest patched versions immediately upon availability. Additionally, organizations can reduce exposure by enforcing application whitelisting policies and restricting script execution permissions where possible. Regular auditing of system logs for unusual privilege escalation attempts can also help detect potential exploitation activities before significant damage occurs. Maintaining strict control over installed applications and monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system files remains essential defense-in-depth strategy against such logic-based vulnerabilities.