CVE-2026-20677
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows shortcuts to bypass sandbox restrictions through improper handling of symbolic links. Attackers could potentially escape application sandboxes to access restricted resources. Affects users of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS who haven't applied security updates.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- visionOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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
An attacker could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, access sensitive user data, or perform unauthorized system modifications by escaping application sandboxes.
Likely Case
Malicious shortcuts could access files or resources outside their intended sandbox, potentially leading to data theft or privilege escalation within affected applications.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with application sandboxing and least privilege principles, impact would be limited even if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires race condition timing and user interaction (running a malicious shortcut). No public exploit code is currently known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, iOS 18.7.5, iPadOS 18.7.5, visionOS 26.3, iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/126346
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open System Settings (macOS) or Settings (iOS/iPadOS/visionOS). 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update. 4. Verify the update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Untrusted Shortcuts
allPrevent execution of shortcuts from untrusted sources to reduce attack surface.
Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Allow Apps Downloaded From: App Store
Restrict Shortcut Permissions
allReview and limit permissions granted to existing shortcuts.
Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Review shortcut permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to restrict which shortcuts can execute
- Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies and restrict shortcut functionality
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions list. On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS/visionOS: Check in Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in the fix information.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcut execution patterns
- Sandbox violation logs
- Symbolic link creation in shortcut contexts
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of shortcut files from untrusted sources
- Network traffic from shortcut processes attempting to access restricted resources
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Shortcuts" AND event_type:"sandbox_violation" OR file_path:"*symlink*"