CVE-2026-64790 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7. An app may be able to gain elevated privileges.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2026
The vulnerability described involves a critical flaw in the path handling logic within Apple's operating system components, specifically affecting versions of macOS prior to Golden Gate 27, Sequoia 15.8, and Tahoe 26.7. This issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms when processing file paths or directory structures during application execution or system operations. In many modern operating systems, path handling is a fundamental aspect of how software interacts with the underlying filesystem to read configuration files, load libraries, or access user data. When this logic lacks rigorous sanitization and boundary checks, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate these inputs in ways that bypass intended security controls. The core technical flaw lies in the failure to properly normalize or validate path strings before they are used by privileged system processes or sensitive application functions. This allows for scenarios where relative paths can be resolved unexpectedly due to symbolic links, race conditions, or improper handling of special characters and directory traversal sequences such as dot-dot-slash patterns.
From a technical perspective, this type of vulnerability is often categorized under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which falls broadly within the domain of path traversal attacks. However, given that the outcome involves gaining elevated privileges rather than just reading unauthorized files, it may also intersect with CWE-78: OS Command Injection or CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection), depending on how the manipulated path is subsequently processed by the system. If an application constructs a command line argument using unsanitized user input derived from these paths without proper escaping, it could lead to arbitrary code execution with higher privileges. Alternatively, if the flaw allows an attacker to trick a privileged daemon into operating on unintended files or directories due to ambiguous path resolution, it represents a classic privilege escalation vector where lower-privileged processes can influence high-privileged ones through filesystem manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality guarantees provided by macOS's security architecture. An attacker who exploits this flaw could potentially gain elevated privileges on the affected system. This means that a standard user account, which typically operates with limited permissions to protect system stability and data privacy, could be escalated to have administrative or root-level access. With such heightened privileges, an adversary can install persistent malware, modify critical system configurations, exfiltrate sensitive user data including credentials and personal information, disable security features like Gatekeeper or SIP (System Integrity Protection), and establish a foothold for further lateral movement within the network if the device is connected to one. The ability to bypass standard permission checks undermines the principle of least privilege that underpins modern operating system design.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to Privilege Escalation and Defense Evasion. Techniques such as T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation or T1548: Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism may be applicable depending on the specific exploitation method used by an attacker. The lack of robust input validation in path handling is a common root cause that enables these advanced persistent threat techniques to succeed against otherwise hardened systems. It highlights the importance of secure coding practices where all external inputs, especially those influencing filesystem operations, must undergo strict sanitization and validation before being passed to system APIs or executed by privileged processes.
Mitigation for this issue primarily involves applying the software updates provided by Apple in macOS Golden Gate 27, Sequoia 15.8, and Tahoe 26.7. These patches include improved validation logic that correctly handles path inputs, ensuring that only expected and safe paths are processed by privileged components. Administrators should ensure that all devices running affected versions of macOS are updated to the latest patched release as soon as possible. In addition to patching, organizations can implement additional defensive measures such as monitoring for unusual privilege escalation events using endpoint detection and response tools, enforcing strict application control policies to prevent unauthorized software from executing path manipulation exploits, and regularly auditing system logs for signs of attempted exploitation. Developers writing custom applications that interact with macOS APIs should also review their code to ensure they are not inadvertently introducing similar vulnerabilities by failing to validate paths before use in sensitive operations.