CVE-2026-112541 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2026
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. 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 parsing flaw within the operating system's handling of directory paths, specifically related to how input is validated before processing. This type of issue typically stems from insufficient sanitization or normalization of file path strings, which can allow an attacker to manipulate the intended target location during file operations. By exploiting this logic error, it becomes possible for a malicious application to bypass standard access controls and execute actions in unintended directories. The core technical flaw lies in the failure to strictly enforce expected formats or boundaries when interpreting user-supplied directory paths, creating an opportunity for path traversal or privilege escalation through misinterpreted system calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it directly compromises the integrity of the operating system's security model. As noted in the advisory, successful exploitation allows a local application to gain root privileges, which represent the highest level of access on macOS systems. With root-level control, an attacker can modify system files, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data from any user account, and disable security features such as Gatekeeper or FileVault. This effectively renders all other security mechanisms ineffective, as the adversary operates with unrestricted authority over the entire device infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) categories such as CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-78: OS Command Injection if the path manipulation leads to command execution. Furthermore, in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this behavior corresponds to techniques involving Local Privilege Escalation (T1068) and potentially Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism (T1548), as it involves exploiting flaws in how elevation controls are applied during path resolution processes. The lack of rigorous input validation on directory paths is a classic vector for such high-impact exploits, particularly when system services or privileged daemons process these inputs without adequate checks.
To mitigate this risk, users must ensure their systems are updated to the latest secure versions, specifically macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, where improved path validation logic has been implemented. These updates likely introduce stricter parsing rules that reject malformed or potentially malicious directory structures before they can be processed by privileged components. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that emphasize strict input validation and canonicalization of file paths to prevent similar issues in custom applications. System administrators should also monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts and ensure that least-privilege principles are enforced across all user accounts to limit the blast radius if a vulnerability is exploited.