# CVE-2026-86945: macOS file protection sandbox escape

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-86945-this-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-checks-this-issue-is-fixed  
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-2026-86945 · Severity: info · Published 2026-10-26

A malicious app on macOS can bypass file system protections and create files in directories that should be restricted. An attacker could exploit this to write system files, drop malware, or access user data that the app should not have permission to reach.

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-2026-86945 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-86945 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-86945?** 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-2026-86945?** 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-2026-86945 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-86945?** 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 permissions bypass in macOS allows a malicious app to write to protected directories, bypassing the sandbox file access restrictions. The vulnerability requires the attacker to convince a user to install and run a malicious app. A fix was released via improved checks to enforce file protections.

## 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: patched: Security updates released for macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2, Tahoe 26.7.2

## 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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