CVE-2026-20693
Privilege Escalation in macOS Allows Deletion of Protected Files
Publication date: 2026-03-25
Last updated on: 2026-03-25
Assigner: Apple Inc.
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| 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 ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-732 | The product specifies permissions for a security-critical resource in a way that allows that resource to be read or modified by unintended actors. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability involves an issue with state management in certain versions of macOS. Specifically, an attacker who already has root privileges may exploit this issue to delete protected system files.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability allows an attacker with root access to delete protected system files, which could lead to system instability, data loss, or compromise of system integrity.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, update your macOS system to one of the fixed versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, or macOS Tahoe 26.4.
Since the vulnerability requires root privileges, ensure that root access is tightly controlled and monitored.