CVE-2026-20626
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious application to gain root privileges on affected Apple devices. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS systems running vulnerable versions. Attackers could exploit this to gain complete control over the device.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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
Full system compromise with root access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and complete device control.
Likely Case
Malicious app escalates privileges to root, enabling data exfiltration, surveillance, or further system exploitation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if app sandboxing and security controls prevent malicious app installation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install and run malicious application. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, visionOS 26.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/126346
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Verify installation by checking version numbers.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow app installation from trusted sources like the App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies and restrict app sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version, visionOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Processes running with unexpected root privileges
- App installation from untrusted sources
Network Indicators:
- Connections to known malicious domains after app installation
- Unusual outbound data transfers
SIEM Query:
process:parent_name="*app*" AND process:privileges="root" AND NOT process:parent_name IN ("legitimate_apps")