CVE-2026-43765

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improper symlink handling in macOS

Publication date: 2026-07-27

Last updated on: 2026-07-28

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description

This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-07-27

Last Modified

2026-07-28

Generated

2026-08-17

AI Q&A

2026-07-28

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-15

NVD

CVE-2026-43765

EUVD

EUVD-2026-49531

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
apple	macos	From 14.0 (inc) to 14.8.8 (exc)
apple	macos	From 15.0 (inc) to 15.7.8 (exc)
apple	macos	From 26.0 (inc) to 26.6 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

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.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves an app being able to modify protected parts of the file system due to improper handling of symlinks. It was fixed in specific macOS versions.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves improper handling of symlinks, which could allow an app to modify protected parts of the file system. Detection requires checking for unauthorized symlink creation or modification in macOS systems. Use commands like 'ls -laR /' to inspect symlinks, 'find / -type l' to locate all symlinks, and 'fs_usage' to monitor file system activity for suspicious symlink operations. Ensure your macOS is updated to the latest patched versions (Sequoia 15.7.8, Sonoma 14.8.8, or Tahoe 26.6).

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to alter critical system files or user data, leading to unauthorized changes, data corruption, or system instability.

Compliance Impact

The provided CVE data does not specify how this vulnerability impacts compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA. The issue involves an app potentially modifying protected parts of the file system, which could lead to unauthorized data access or modification, potentially violating data protection requirements.

Mitigation Strategies

Update to the latest patched versions of macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.6 to address the symlink handling issue.

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