CVE-2026-112438 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An unprivileged attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code as root.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical logic error rooted in improper state management within the operating system's core components. This flaw allows an attacker who possesses only unprivileged access to escalate their privileges to that of the root user, effectively gaining full control over the affected macOS systems including versions Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, and Tahoe 26.7.2. The issue stems from a failure in the system's internal logic to correctly validate or transition between security states during specific operations. When an unprivileged process interacts with these components, it can manipulate the state machine in a way that bypasses intended access controls. This mismanagement of state allows the attacker to trigger code execution paths that are normally restricted to privileged users, leading to arbitrary code execution at the highest level of system authority.
From a technical perspective, this type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 which denotes Missing Authorization checks or CWE-367 which refers to Time-of-check Time-of-use race conditions depending on the specific mechanism exploited within the state management logic. The attacker likely exploits a window where the system's security context has not been properly updated or verified before proceeding with an operation that requires elevated privileges. By carefully crafting requests or sequences of actions, the unprivileged user can force the operating system into an inconsistent state where it grants root-level permissions to code initiated by the lower-privilege process. This bypasses standard sandboxing and permission models designed to isolate applications from critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the complete compromise of system integrity. Once arbitrary code is executed as root, the attacker gains unrestricted access to all files, processes, and network configurations on the machine. They can install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data such as credentials or encryption keys, modify system binaries to maintain persistence across reboots, and use the compromised host as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The ability to execute code as root eliminates most defensive barriers, making detection difficult without specialized endpoint security solutions that monitor for unusual privilege escalation patterns.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software updates immediately. Apple has addressed this issue in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, and Tahoe 26.7.2 by correcting the underlying state management logic to ensure that authorization checks are performed correctly before any privileged operations are executed. Organizations should enforce automated patching policies for all endpoints running these operating systems to minimize the window of exposure. Additionally, implementing strict application control policies can help prevent untrusted code from executing even if a vulnerability is present. Monitoring system logs for unusual privilege escalation attempts and employing endpoint detection and response tools that analyze behavioral anomalies related to state transitions can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation of this flaw while patches are being deployed.