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CVE-2015-6980: Apple macOS Directory Utility lets local users gain privileges

CVE-2015-6980 · published 10 years ago

Summary

The Directory Utility component in macOS versions earlier than 10.11.1 does not correctly verify a user's identity when starting a new session. This flaw could let someone with local access operate with higher system rights than intended. Update macOS to 10.11.1 or later, or apply any available patches from Apple.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software

Vendor	Product	Affected versions
apple	mac_os_x	<= 10.11.0 `cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x::::::::`

Original advisory text

Directory Utility in Apple OS X before 10.11.1 mishandles authentication for new sessions, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.

References

http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2015/Oct/msg00005.html Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT205375 Vendor Advisory

Fix within

Internet-facing 14 days

Internal At next upgrade

Not known to be exploited
Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
Gives an attacker full control (estimated)

Severity

7.8 High

Exploitation

<1% chance of attack within 30 days

Type

CWE-264Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls

Timeline

Published11 Jan 2016

Updated4 Nov 2026

First seen29 Sep 2026

Sources

CVE-2015-6980 · NVD

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