CVE-2026-20614
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Path Validation Flaw in macOS Allows Privilege Escalation to Root

Publication date: 2026-02-11

Last updated on: 2026-04-02

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-02-11
Last Modified
2026-04-02
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-02-12
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-20614
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple macos From 15.0 (inc) to 15.7.4 (exc)
apple macos From 26.0 (inc) to 26.3 (exc)
apple macos From 14.0 (inc) to 14.8.4 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-22 The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is related to a path handling issue in certain versions of macOS. The problem was that the system did not properly validate file paths, which could be exploited by an application.

Due to this improper validation, a malicious app might be able to gain root privileges, meaning it could execute actions with the highest level of system access.

The issue has been fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.4 by improving the validation of file paths.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an application to gain root privileges on your macOS device.

With root privileges, the malicious app could perform unauthorized actions such as modifying system files, installing malware, or accessing sensitive data.

This could compromise the security and integrity of your system and data.

Compliance Impact

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Detection Guidance

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your macOS system to one of the fixed versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, or macOS Sonoma 14.8.4.

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