CVE-2026-64731 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2026
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. A malicious app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape flaw in apple's operating system that stems from inadequate path handling validation within the kernel or system services. The issue allows a malicious application to potentially bypass security boundaries that normally prevent unauthorized access to system resources and user data. The vulnerability exists in the way the system processes file paths and directory traversal operations, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation flaw likely involves insufficient input validation when processing file system paths, particularly in scenarios involving symbolic links, relative paths, or complex directory structures. This type of vulnerability typically maps to cwe-22 path traversal attacks or cwe-73 path injection vulnerabilities where malicious actors can manipulate path resolution mechanisms. The sandbox enforcement mechanisms fail to properly validate or sanitize path components before allowing access to restricted system areas.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the core security model of modern operating systems. An attacker could exploit this weakness to access protected system files, user documents, network resources, or even execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The implications are particularly severe given that macOS employs strict sandboxing policies to isolate applications and prevent unauthorized system interactions. This vulnerability effectively allows a malicious application to break out of its designated security boundaries and gain broader access to the system.
The fix implemented in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 addresses this through enhanced path validation mechanisms that properly sanitize and verify all file system operations before granting access. These updates likely include improved kernel-level path resolution checks, stricter symbolic link handling, and more robust input validation for directory traversal operations. Security researchers have classified this as a sandbox escape vulnerability that could be exploited through techniques aligned with attack tactics such as privilege escalation and lateral movement within the attack chain.
Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected systems to prevent potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious application behavior or unexpected file access patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification of patch installation status through system management tools and implementation of additional monitoring measures to detect any anomalous system activity that might suggest successful exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in security-critical systems and demonstrates how seemingly simple path handling operations can create significant security risks when not properly secured. The fix represents a defensive programming approach that emphasizes robust validation and proper boundary enforcement in file system operations. Organizations should also review their application sandboxing policies and ensure that all applications undergo proper security testing to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party software or custom development efforts.
The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated system components to ensure that legitimate application functionality remains intact while the security vulnerability is properly addressed. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, enhanced file integrity monitoring, and regular security assessments to maintain defense-in-depth posture against similar vulnerabilities in the future.