CVE-2026-20625
📋 TL;DR
A path validation vulnerability in macOS and visionOS allows applications to bypass directory restrictions and access sensitive user data. This affects users running vulnerable versions of macOS Sequoia, Tahoe, Sonoma, and visionOS. The issue stems from improper parsing of directory paths.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app could access sensitive files like passwords, encryption keys, or personal documents stored in protected directories.
Likely Case
Malicious or compromised applications could read user data they shouldn't have access to, potentially exposing personal information.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and user permissions, impact would be limited to data accessible by the compromised app's existing permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires malicious app to be installed and executed. No known public exploits at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, visionOS 26.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/126348
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings 2. Click General 3. Click Software Update 4. Install available updates 5. Follow on-screen instructions
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the App Store or identified developers
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and restrict app permissions in System Settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to control which apps can run
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious file access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Settings > General > About. If version is below the patched versions listed, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version matches or exceeds patched versions: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4+, macOS Tahoe 26.3+, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4+, visionOS 26.3+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns by applications
- Multiple failed path validation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
process_access_file AND (file_path CONTAINS sensitive_directories) AND NOT (process_name IN trusted_apps)