CVE-2026-84568 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2026
A path traversal issue was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7. An attacker with control of a network directory server may be able to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2026
The vulnerability described constitutes a critical path traversal flaw within the operating system's handling of file paths during interactions with external services. This specific issue arises from insufficient validation mechanisms when processing input derived from network directories, allowing an attacker who has compromised or controls a network directory server to manipulate the intended file location. By exploiting this lack of rigorous sanitization, the malicious actor can construct path sequences that escape the designated secure root directory and access arbitrary locations on the filesystem. This type of flaw is classically categorized under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which highlights the failure to enforce strict boundaries around file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the privilege level required for successful exploitation and the resulting capabilities granted to an attacker. Since the flaw allows for arbitrary code execution with root privileges, it effectively results in full system compromise. An adversary leveraging this path traversal can read sensitive configuration files, modify critical system binaries, install persistent backdoors, or pivot further into other network segments. The ability to execute code as root bypasses standard user-level security controls and sandboxing mechanisms that typically limit the blast radius of a breach. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers use system utilities to execute malicious commands after gaining initial access through such vulnerabilities.
The resolution involves implementing stricter path validation logic within the affected components. The fix ensures that all file paths are canonicalized and verified against an allowlist of permitted directories before any read or write operations are performed. This prevents directory traversal sequences, such as double dot notation, from resolving to unauthorized locations. Organizations running macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.7 must apply the provided updates immediately to mitigate this risk. Additionally, defense-in-depth strategies should be employed, including network segmentation to isolate directory servers and strict access controls on those services, reducing the likelihood of an attacker gaining control over a network directory in the first place. Regular auditing of file system permissions and monitoring for unusual path traversal attempts can further enhance security posture against similar exploitation vectors.