CVE-2026-84609

Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress

Improper Path Validation in Apple iOS and macOS

Publication date: 2026-09-14

Last updated on: 2026-09-18

Assigner: Apple Inc.

Description

A permissions issue was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, watchOS 27. An app may be able to modify protected system files.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-14

Last Modified

2026-09-18

Generated

2026-10-05

AI Q&A

2026-09-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-10-04

NVD

CVE-2026-84609

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
apple	macos	From 15.0 (inc) to 15.8 (exc)
apple	macos	From 26.0 (inc) to 26.7 (exc)
apple	ipados	to 27.0 (exc)
apple	iphone_os	to 27.0 (exc)
apple	visionos	to 27.0 (exc)
apple	watchos	to 27.0 (exc)
apple	tvos	to 27.0 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a permissions issue caused by insufficient path validation. An app could exploit this to modify protected system files on affected Apple devices.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to Apple operating systems and involves a permissions issue allowing apps to modify protected system files. Detection would require checking for unauthorized file modifications in system directories. No specific commands are provided in the context, but you could monitor system file integrity using tools like fs_usage or dtrace on macOS/iOS to detect unexpected file changes.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could potentially use this flaw to alter critical system files, leading to unauthorized changes, data corruption, or system instability on your device.

Compliance Impact

The provided CVE does not specify how this vulnerability impacts compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA. The issue involves an app potentially modifying protected system files due to a permissions problem, but no details are given about data exposure, privacy risks, or regulatory implications.

Mitigation Strategies

Update affected Apple devices to the latest versions mentioned in the CVE description to address the permissions issue and prevent unauthorized file modifications.

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