CVE-2026-65383 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27. An app may bypass Gatekeeper checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described involves a flaw within the Apple operating system's security mechanism known as Gatekeeper, specifically affecting versions prior to macOS Golden Gate 27. Gatekeeper serves as a critical line of defense in macOS by verifying that downloaded applications are signed with an identifier from a recognized developer and have not been tampered with since they were signed. The core technical flaw lies in the validation logic used during this verification process, where improved checks were implemented to close a gap that allowed malicious or unverified software to bypass these security protocols. This indicates that under specific conditions, the system failed to properly enforce code signing requirements, effectively allowing unsigned or improperly signed applications to execute with elevated trust levels typically reserved for verified software.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly undermines the integrity of the application execution environment on affected macOS systems. By bypassing Gatekeeper checks, attackers can introduce malware, adware, or other malicious payloads that appear legitimate to the operating system's security layer. This lack of verification means that users may inadvertently execute harmful code without receiving the standard warnings about unidentified developers or tampered software. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where strict control over installed applications is necessary for compliance and security posture, as it allows unauthorized binaries to run with potentially administrative privileges depending on how they are invoked by end-users.
This type of vulnerability aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) categories related to insufficient verification or validation of inputs, specifically CWE-295 Improper Certificate Validation or CWE-862 Missing Authorization if the bypass allows actions that should be restricted. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw facilitates techniques associated with Execution and Defense Evasion, particularly those involving code signing certificate abuse or bypassing application control mechanisms such as Application Control (T1059) or Masquerading (T1036). Attackers can leverage this weakness to deploy tools that would otherwise be blocked by system policies, thereby establishing persistence or moving laterally within a network with reduced risk of detection by endpoint security solutions.
Mitigation for this issue requires immediate action to ensure all macOS devices are updated to version Golden Gate 27 or later where the improved checks have been deployed. Administrators should verify patch levels across their fleets and enforce software update policies to prevent exposure during the window between vulnerability disclosure and remediation. Additionally, organizations can implement supplementary controls such as restricting execution of unsigned code through configuration profiles or using endpoint detection and response tools that monitor for anomalies in application behavior rather than relying solely on signature validation. Regular auditing of installed applications and monitoring for unusual process executions can also help detect potential exploitation attempts while the system remains vulnerable to this specific bypass technique.