# CVE-2026-86941: macOS Gatekeeper file quarantine bypass

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86941-a-file-quarantine-bypass-was-addressed-with-additional-checks  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-26. Updated: 2026-10-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-86941 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-26

macOS includes Gatekeeper, a security feature that prevents users from accidentally running untrusted applications downloaded from the internet. An attacker can bypass this protection through a file quarantine bypass, allowing malicious applications to run without triggering security warnings. This could enable malware installation or unauthorized code execution on affected Mac systems.

Technologies: [Apple macOS Golden Gate](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos-golden-gate), [Apple macOS Sequoia](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos). Vendors: [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-86941 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86941 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86941?** Informational severity, published 26 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apple macOS Golden Gate before 27.2; Apple macOS Sequoia before 15.8.2; Apple macOS Tahoe before 26.7.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-86941?** Yes: fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-86941 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86941?** Check whether you run Apple macOS Golden Gate, Apple macOS Sequoia or Apple macOS Tahoe at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2

## Technical details

A file quarantine bypass in macOS allows an app to circumvent Gatekeeper checks through insufficient validation logic. The vulnerability affects the ArchiveService and Archive Utility components responsible for quarantine flag enforcement. An attacker with local access can craft a malicious file or application that bypasses these security checks without requiring special privileges.

## Affected products

- Apple macOS Golden Gate before 27.2
- Apple macOS Sequoia before 15.8.2
- Apple macOS Tahoe before 26.7.2

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26: disclosed
- 2026-10-26: patched

## References

- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149521](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149521)
- [https://support.apple.com/en-us/149522](https://support.apple.com/en-us/149522)

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