CVE-2026-20615
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Path Validation Flaw in Apple OSes Allows Root Privilege Escalation

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 iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, visionOS 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-2026-20615
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 5 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple ipados to 26.3 (exc)
apple iphone_os to 26.3 (exc)
apple visionos to 26.3 (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 a path handling issue that was addressed by improving validation mechanisms. Due to this flaw, an application could potentially gain root privileges on affected Apple operating systems.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability allows an app to potentially gain root privileges, which means it could execute actions with the highest level of system access. This could lead to unauthorized control over the device, compromising security and privacy.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Apple devices to the fixed versions: iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, or visionOS 26.3.

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