CVE-2026-112513 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
This issue was addressed with improved validation of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical failure in the operating system's handling of symbolic links, specifically within the context of application sandboxes on macOS. Symbolic links are special files that act as pointers to other files or directories, allowing for flexible file management and access control mechanisms. However, when validation logic is insufficient, these links can be exploited to bypass security boundaries designed to isolate applications from one another and from sensitive system resources. In this specific instance, the flaw lies in how the operating system processes requests involving symlinks during sandbox enforcement operations. If an application can manipulate or predict symlink targets before they are resolved by the kernel, it may trick the security subsystem into granting access to files outside its designated sandbox perimeter. This type of vulnerability is classically categorized under CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access, which highlights risks associated with race conditions or insufficient validation in file system operations involving symbolic links.
The operational impact of this flaw allows a malicious application to escape the confines of its assigned security profile. Sandboxing is a fundamental defense mechanism that restricts an app's access to only those resources necessary for its function, thereby limiting the potential damage if the application is compromised by external attackers or contains bugs leading to exploitation. By breaking out of the sandbox, an attacker gains elevated privileges relative to other applications and potentially accesses sensitive user data such as documents, photos, credentials stored in keychains, or system configuration files that were previously protected from unauthorized read or write operations. This escalation can lead to full device compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities, allowing for persistent access, lateral movement within a networked environment, or exfiltration of confidential information without detection by standard application-level security controls.
This issue aligns closely with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, particularly those involving file system manipulation to bypass access control lists or sandbox restrictions. The ability to traverse directory boundaries via symlink resolution errors is a common tactic used in advanced persistent threats seeking to expand their foothold on an infected host. Without proper validation of the final resolved path against the allowed set for the current process context, the operating system inadvertently facilitates unauthorized data access. This represents a significant breach of confidentiality and integrity principles within the macOS security architecture, undermining trust in application isolation mechanisms that users rely upon to protect their privacy and system stability.
To mitigate this risk, Apple has released an update included in macOS Golden Gate 27.2 which addresses the underlying validation logic for symbolic links. Users should ensure their systems are updated to this version or later to benefit from these security enhancements. Beyond applying patches, administrators can enforce stricter sandboxing policies through configuration profiles and monitor application behavior using endpoint detection and response tools that flag unusual file access patterns indicative of symlink abuse. Additionally, developers building applications for macOS must adhere to strict coding practices regarding path resolution, ensuring that all symbolic links are validated against a canonicalized list of allowed paths before any file system operations are executed. Regular security audits and adherence to industry standards such as CWE-59 guidelines can further reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in future software releases.