CVE-2026-20688
Received Received - Intake
Sandbox Escape via Path Validation Flaw in Apple OS Components

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-03-26

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description
A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, macOS Tahoe 26.4, visionOS 26.4. An app may be able to break out of its sandbox.
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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
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2026-20688
EUVD
EUVD-2026-15059
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
apple ipados to 26.4 (exc)
apple iphone_os to 26.4 (exc)
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)
apple visionos to 26.4 (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. It allows an app to potentially break out of its sandbox, which is a security boundary designed to isolate apps from each other and the system.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an app to escape its sandbox restrictions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to system resources or data that should be isolated. This could lead to privacy breaches or unauthorized actions on the device.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

I don't know

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Apple devices to the fixed versions: iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, macOS Tahoe 26.4, or visionOS 26.4.

Applying these updates will address the path handling issue and prevent apps from breaking out of their sandbox.

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