CVE-2026-20633
Received Received - Intake
Symlink Handling Flaw in macOS Allows Unauthorized Data Access

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-03-25

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, macOS Tahoe 26.4. An app may be able to access user-sensitive data.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-25
Last Modified
2026-03-25
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-25
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-20633
EUVD
EUVD-2026-15041
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple macos From 14.0 (inc) to 14.8.5 (exc)
apple macos From 15.0 (inc) to 15.7.5 (exc)
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-59 The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
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Executive Summary

CVE-2026-20633 is a vulnerability in macOS that involves improper handling of symbolic links (symlinks) and directory path parsing. This flaw exists in components such as Archive Utility in macOS Sonoma 14.8.5 and DesktopServices in macOS Sequoia 15.7.5. Due to this issue, an application may be able to bypass normal access controls and access user-sensitive data.

The vulnerability was addressed by improving the handling and validation of symlinks and directory paths to prevent unauthorized data access.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can impact you by allowing an application on your macOS device to access sensitive user data without proper authorization. This unauthorized access could lead to exposure of personal or confidential information stored on your system.

Compliance Impact

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Detection Guidance

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update your macOS system to the fixed versions where the issue is resolved.

  • Upgrade to macOS Sequoia 15.7.5
  • Upgrade to macOS Sonoma 14.8.5
  • Upgrade to macOS Tahoe 26.4

These updates include improved handling of symbolic links and path validation to prevent unauthorized access to user-sensitive data.

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