CVE-2026-112484 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
This issue was addressed with improved file handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with system privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical flaw in the file handling mechanisms of Apple's operating systems, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. This issue stems from improper validation or sanitization processes when applications interact with system-level files or directories. In a typical secure environment, file operations are subject to strict access controls and integrity checks to prevent unauthorized modifications or executions. However, in this case, the improved file handling suggests that previous iterations failed to adequately restrict how certain application behaviors could influence privileged system resources. This gap allows an attacker who has managed to execute code within a less-privileged context to escalate their privileges by manipulating these file operations.
From a technical perspective, this flaw likely exploits weaknesses in how the operating system processes requests for file access or modification without sufficient verification of the caller's intent or authority. When a malicious application triggers specific file handling routines, it may bypass standard security checks that are designed to isolate user-space applications from kernel-level or system-wide operations. This type of vulnerability is often categorized under CWE-20 Improper Input Validation or CWE-732 Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, as the core issue lies in the failure to correctly assign and verify permissions during file interactions. The ability to execute arbitrary code with system privileges indicates that the exploit leverages these misconfigured permissions to gain a foothold at the highest level of access on the affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for privilege escalation. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can achieve full control over the compromised device, including the ability to install persistent malware, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, and disable security features such as Gatekeeper or FileVault. This level of access effectively neutralizes most defensive measures built into macOS, turning a standard user account compromise into a complete system takeover. The risk is particularly acute in enterprise environments where devices may contain valuable intellectual property or personal information protected by strict compliance requirements.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying the provided software updates immediately to patch the underlying file handling logic. Apple has addressed this issue in the specified versions of macOS Golden Gate, Sequoia, and Tahoe by enhancing validation procedures and tightening access controls around critical system files. Organizations should ensure that all endpoints are updated to these patched versions as part of their regular vulnerability management lifecycle. Additionally, implementing strict application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized applications from executing even if they attempt to leverage this flaw. Monitoring for unusual file system activity or privilege escalation attempts using endpoint detection and response tools provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation while patching efforts are underway.
This incident aligns with known attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to execution and persistence techniques that rely on local exploits for privilege escalation. By understanding this vulnerability through the lens of established industry standards like CWE and ATT&CK, security teams can better anticipate similar flaws in other components and strengthen their overall defense-in-depth posture. Regular audits of file permissions and continuous monitoring of system integrity remain essential practices to mitigate risks associated with such high-severity vulnerabilities.