CVE-2026-64701

MacOS Privilege Escalation via Permission Issue

Published Sep 14, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

A permission-related vulnerability was found in Apple macOS that enables a malicious application to obtain root privileges. The flaw is mitigated by adding additional restrictions, but unless the fix is applied, an attacker can run code with system‑level access, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device. This issue is classified an elevation of privilege weakness.

Affected Systems

All macOS releases older than macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 or macOS Tahoe 26.6 contain this vulnerability. Versions preceding these updates are susceptible until the corresponding security update is installed.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high impact, and the EPSS score is < 1%, implying a low probability of exploitation. The description indicates that a malicious app can exploit the permission gap to elevate privileges. The vulnerability catalog. Based on the description, the likely attack vector is a malicious application that runs with local or remote code execution capability to gain root access.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the Apple security update that brings the system to macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 or later, or macOS Tahoe 26.6 or newer.
  • Deploy the update across all managed macOS devices through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager to ensure consistent patching.
  • Configure Gatekeeper to allow only signed applications from the App Store or identified developers, reducing executing with elevated privileges.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 17, 2026 at 19:52 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title MacOS Privilege Escalation via Permission Issue
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title macOS Permission Escalation Vulnerability Leading to Root Privileges
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Title macOS Permission Escalation Vulnerability Leading to Root Privileges
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apple
Apple macos
Vendors & Products Apple
Apple macos
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-280
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Tahoe 26.6. A malicious app may be able to gain root privileges.
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-280

    Improper Handling of Insufficient Permissions or Privileges

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apple
Published
Updated
Sep 15, 2026, 3:56 AM
Reserved
Jul 20, 2026, 6:09 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Sep 14, 2026, 9:17 PM
Modified
Sep 15, 2026, 7:31 PM