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7.8

macOS: Malicious apps may gain root access through directory paths

CVE-2026-43749 · published 3 months ago
Summary

An issue was discovered in macOS's handling of directory paths. This could allow a malicious app to gain root privileges, which would give it access to sensitive areas of the system. To fix this, Apple has released updates for macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, and Tahoe, which should be installed to ensure security.

What to do
  • Update apple macos to version 14.8.8 or later.
Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
apple macos < 14.8.8
Original advisory text
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. An app may be abl...
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit
  • Gives an attacker full control
Severity
7.8 High
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-22Path Traversal
Timeline
Published27 Jul 2026
Updated30 Oct 2026
First seen27 Jul 2026
Sources
CVE-2026-43749 · NVD
CVE-2026-43749 · MITRE
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