CVE-2026-20614: macOS Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE-2026-20614 Overview

CVE-2026-20614 is a path handling vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to gain root privileges through improper validation of file paths. This local privilege escalation vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the path handling mechanisms of macOS, enabling a malicious application running with standard user privileges to escalate to root-level access.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables local privilege escalation to root, allowing a malicious application to gain complete control over the affected macOS system.

Affected Products

• macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15.7.4
• macOS Tahoe versions prior to 26.3
• macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.8.4

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE-2026-20614 published to NVD
• 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-20614

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists within the path handling subsystem of macOS. The core issue involves improper validation of file system paths, which can be exploited by a locally executing application to traverse directory structures or manipulate path resolution in ways that bypass intended security boundaries.

When a malicious application crafts specially formatted path strings, the operating system fails to properly validate these inputs before using them in privileged operations. This validation gap allows the application to access or manipulate resources that should be restricted to root-level processes only.

The consequence of successful exploitation is complete privilege escalation from standard user context to root, granting the attacker full administrative control over the macOS system. This could enable installation of persistent malware, modification of system files, access to protected credentials, and complete compromise of the affected device.

Root Cause

The vulnerability originates from insufficient input validation in the macOS path handling mechanisms. Specifically, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate path strings before using them in operations that require elevated privileges. This allows path traversal sequences or specially crafted path components to bypass security checks designed to restrict access to privileged resources.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires local access to the target macOS system with the ability to execute a malicious application. An attacker would need to deliver and execute a crafted application on the victim's machine, either through social engineering, supply chain compromise, or as part of a multi-stage attack following initial access through another vector.

The malicious application would then leverage the path handling flaw to escalate privileges from the current user context to root. This could be achieved by:

1. Crafting malicious path strings that exploit the validation weakness
2. Triggering system operations that use these paths in a privileged context
3. Leveraging the resulting access to execute arbitrary code as root

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-20614

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file system access patterns involving path traversal sequences in privileged system directories
• Applications executing with elevated privileges unexpectedly after launching with standard user permissions
• Suspicious modifications to system files or protected directories by non-system processes
• Log entries indicating privilege changes for applications that should not require root access

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for process privilege escalation events where applications gain root access without legitimate authorization
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical system directories to detect unauthorized modifications
• Analyze system logs for anomalous path handling operations involving symbolic links or relative path components
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of tracking privilege state changes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed system logging for file system operations and privilege changes on macOS systems
• Configure SentinelOne agents to monitor for behavioral indicators associated with local privilege escalation attempts
• Establish baseline application behavior profiles to identify deviations indicating potential exploitation
• Review installed applications for suspicious or unexpected binaries that may attempt privilege escalation

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-20614

Immediate Actions Required

• Update macOS Sequoia to version 15.7.4 or later immediately
• Update macOS Tahoe to version 26.3 or later immediately
• Update macOS Sonoma to version 14.8.4 or later immediately
• Audit installed applications and remove any untrusted or unnecessary software
• Restrict user permissions and implement least privilege principles where possible

Patch Information

Apple has released security updates addressing this vulnerability across multiple macOS versions. Organizations should apply the following updates as soon as possible:

• macOS Sequoia: Update to version 15.7.4 - See Apple Support Document #126348
• macOS Tahoe: Update to version 26.3 - See Apple Support Document #126349
• macOS Sonoma: Update to version 14.8.4 - See Apple Support Document #126350

Workarounds

• Limit the installation and execution of untrusted applications through macOS Gatekeeper and system policies
• Implement application allowlisting to restrict which applications can execute on managed systems
• Deploy SentinelOne endpoint protection to detect and block privilege escalation attempts in real-time
• Enable FileVault full-disk encryption to protect sensitive data in case of system compromise