CVE-2026-20653: Apple macOS/iOS Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2026-20653 Overview

A path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) has been identified in multiple Apple operating systems due to improper parsing and validation of directory paths. This vulnerability allows a malicious application to bypass intended security boundaries and access sensitive user data by exploiting weaknesses in how the system handles directory path input.

Critical Impact

A local attacker can craft a malicious application that exploits improper path validation to access sensitive user data outside of the application sandbox.

Affected Products

• macOS Tahoe (versions prior to 26.3)
• macOS Sonoma (versions prior to 14.8.4)
• macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.7.4)
• iOS 18.x (versions prior to 18.7.5)
• iPadOS 18.x (versions prior to 18.7.5)
• visionOS (versions prior to 26.3)
• iOS 26.x (versions prior to 26.3)
• iPadOS 26.x (versions prior to 26.3)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-11 - CVE-2026-20653 published to NVD
• 2026-02-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-20653

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of directory path inputs during parsing operations. When an application processes file paths, the system fails to properly sanitize special directory traversal sequences, allowing an attacker to escape the intended directory structure. The impact is significant as it enables unauthorized read access to confidential user information, though it does not affect system integrity or availability.

The local attack vector requires user interaction—typically convincing a user to install and run a malicious application. Once executed, the application can leverage the path parsing flaw to read files from directories that should be protected by sandbox restrictions.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), commonly known as Path Traversal. The affected components fail to properly validate and sanitize directory path inputs, allowing sequences such as ../ or encoded variants to traverse outside the expected directory hierarchy. This oversight in path normalization and validation logic permits unauthorized file system access.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access with no privileges but does require user interaction. An attacker would need to:

1. Develop a malicious application that exploits the path parsing vulnerability
2. Distribute the application to potential victims through social engineering or other means
3. Convince the user to execute the application
4. The application then exploits the improper path validation to traverse directories and access sensitive user data

Due to the local attack vector and user interaction requirement, exploitation requires some level of social engineering to be successful. The vulnerability allows read access to confidential data but does not provide write capabilities or enable denial of service conditions.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-20653

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file access patterns from applications attempting to read files outside their designated sandbox directories
• Applications attempting to resolve paths containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, or encoded variants)
• Unexpected read operations targeting user data directories from non-system applications

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system calls and file access logs for applications attempting to access files outside their sandbox boundaries
• Implement endpoint detection rules to flag applications with anomalous file system access patterns
• Review application behavior for attempts to read sensitive directories such as ~/Documents, ~/Library, or system configuration paths
• Deploy SentinelOne agents to detect and alert on path traversal exploitation attempts in real-time

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed file system auditing on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS devices
• Configure security monitoring tools to alert on directory traversal patterns in file path operations
• Regularly review installed applications and verify their provenance through App Store or notarization checks
• Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-20653

Immediate Actions Required

• Update all affected Apple devices to the patched operating system versions immediately
• Review installed applications and remove any untrusted or suspicious software
• Enable automatic software updates to ensure timely patch deployment
• Restrict application installations to trusted sources (App Store, notarized applications)

Patch Information

Apple has released security updates addressing this vulnerability across all affected platforms. Users should update to the following versions or later:

Workarounds

• Only install applications from the official App Store or verified, notarized sources
• Enable Gatekeeper on macOS to block applications from unidentified developers
• Review and restrict application permissions, particularly file system access
• Consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce application restrictions on enterprise devices
• Implement network segmentation to limit potential data exfiltration if exploitation occurs