Executive brief
macOS is an operating system that runs Apple computers. A permissions validation flaw allows an app to gain root-level privileges, enabling complete system compromise. An attacker can escalate their application's permissions without proper authorization, potentially gaining unrestricted access to all system resources and user data.
Technical details
A permissions issue in macOS kernel or system frameworks fails to properly validate app authorization boundaries, allowing privilege escalation to root. The vulnerability lies in the authorization checking logic that controls which processes can access privileged system operations. An attacker needs only to run a malicious app on the target system (local attack vector). Upon exploitation, the app gains root privileges, enabling arbitrary kernel code execution, unrestricted file system access, and complete system control. Fixes are available in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7.
Affected products
- Apple macOS Golden Gate before 27
- Apple macOS Sequoia before 15.8
- Apple macOS Tahoe before 26.7
Timeline
- 2026-09-14: disclosed
- 2026-09-14: patched: Fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7