CVE-2026-64756 Overview
CVE-2026-64756 is a path handling vulnerability affecting multiple Apple operating systems. Apple addressed the issue through improved validation of file paths. An application on an affected device can leverage the flaw to access user-sensitive data that should otherwise be protected by the operating system's sandbox and privacy controls.
The weakness maps to [CWE-22] (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, and it does not require prior authentication. Apple shipped fixes across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS in coordinated security updates.
Critical Impact
A malicious or compromised app can bypass path validation to read user-sensitive files on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS systems.
Affected Products
- Apple iOS (versions prior to iOS 27)
- Apple iPadOS (versions prior to iPadOS 27)
- Apple macOS Sequoia (prior to 15.8), macOS Tahoe (prior to 26.7), and macOS Golden Gate (prior to 27)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-64756 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-09-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-64756
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-64756 is a path traversal weakness [CWE-22] within Apple's file path handling routines. The affected components fail to properly validate or canonicalize paths supplied by an application. An app running with normal user privileges can craft path inputs that resolve outside its permitted directory scope.
Apple's advisory states that the fix consists of improved validation. This indicates the pre-patch code accepted path components (such as .. sequences, symbolic links, or non-canonical forms) that should have been rejected or normalized before file access decisions were made. The result is unintended access to files containing user-sensitive data.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction, such as installing or launching a malicious application. Confidentiality impact is high, while integrity and availability are not affected.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient validation of file path inputs before they are resolved against the underlying file system. Without proper canonicalization, the OS-level access checks operate on the raw path rather than the true target, allowing traversal outside the caller's authorized directory boundary.
Attack Vector
An attacker distributes a malicious application through sideloading, an enterprise profile, or an app store submission that bypasses review. Once the user launches the app, it issues file operations using crafted paths designed to escape its sandbox. The vulnerable path handling logic resolves these paths to protected locations, returning user data such as documents, cached credentials, or app-specific databases.
The vulnerability does not permit remote exploitation. Physical device compromise is not required; local code execution within an installed app is sufficient.
No public proof-of-concept exploit has been published. See the Apple security advisories linked below for authoritative technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-64756
Indicators of Compromise
- Applications performing file system operations that traverse outside their designated sandbox container using .. sequences or symbolic link resolution
- Unexpected read access to files under user home directories, Keychain-adjacent paths, or other privacy-protected locations by non-system apps
- Newly installed applications from outside the App Store or unusual enterprise-provisioned apps requesting broad file access
Detection Strategies
- Review Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry on managed macOS fleets for anomalous file open events originating from user-space applications targeting sensitive directories
- Correlate application install events with subsequent file system activity to identify apps that immediately attempt broad directory enumeration after launch
- On mobile devices, use Mobile Device Management (MDM) reporting to inventory installed apps and flag those not sourced from the App Store or verified enterprise catalogs
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable unified logging on macOS and forward file access and sandbox violation events to a central log store for retention and search
- Alert on repeated open() or stat() operations against paths containing traversal sequences from non-privileged processes
- Track OS version compliance across the fleet to identify devices still running vulnerable builds of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-64756
Immediate Actions Required
- Update iOS and iPadOS devices to version 27 or later
- Update macOS Sequoia to 15.8, macOS Tahoe to 26.7, or install macOS Golden Gate 27
- Audit installed applications and remove any that are untrusted, sideloaded, or no longer required
- Enforce OS update compliance through MDM policies for corporate-managed devices
Patch Information
Apple released fixes in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. Full details are available in the vendor advisories: Apple Security Update 149034, Apple Security Update 149035, Apple Security Update 149042, and Apple Security Update 149043.
Workarounds
- Restrict application installation to the official App Store and vetted enterprise catalogs until patches are applied
- Disable or remove enterprise developer profiles that permit installation of unreviewed applications
- Apply the principle of least privilege by limiting user accounts on macOS to non-administrative roles where feasible
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.