CVE-2026-20631
Received Received - Intake
Logic Flaw in macOS Tahoe 26.4 Enables Privilege Escalation

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-03-26

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.4. A user may be able to elevate privileges.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-25
Last Modified
2026-03-26
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-25
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-20631
EUVD
EUVD-2026-15039
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple macos From 26.0 (inc) to 26.4 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-20631 is a vulnerability in the PackageKit component of macOS Tahoe 26.4. It is caused by a logic issue that allowed an attacker with root privileges to delete protected system files.

Apple fixed this issue by improving state management and adding better checks to prevent unauthorized deletion of critical system files.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow an attacker who already has root privileges to delete protected system files, potentially leading to system instability, data loss, or disruption of normal system operations.

Such unauthorized deletion of critical files could compromise the integrity and availability of the affected system.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

I don't know

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update your macOS Tahoe system to version 26.4 or later, where the issue has been fixed by Apple.

This update includes improved state management in the PackageKit component to prevent unauthorized deletion of critical system files.

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