CVE-2026-20626
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Privilege Escalation in Apple OSes via Insufficient Validation

Publication date: 2026-02-11

Last updated on: 2026-04-02

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
This issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, visionOS 26.3. A malicious 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-2026-20626
EUVD
EUVD-2026-6185
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 15.0 (inc) to 15.7.4 (exc)
apple macos From 26.0 (inc) to 26.3 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-862 The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Apple devices to the fixed versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, or visionOS 26.3.

These updates include improved checks that prevent a malicious app from gaining root privileges.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves a security issue in certain Apple operating systems where a malicious app may be able to gain root privileges due to insufficient checks.

The issue was addressed by improving these checks and fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, and visionOS 26.3.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow a malicious app to gain root privileges on affected Apple devices.

Gaining root privileges means the attacker could have full control over the device, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system modifications, and other malicious activities.

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