CVE-2026-65378: Apple macOS Authorization Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-65378 Overview

CVE-2026-65378 is an authorization vulnerability in Apple macOS that allows an application to access sensitive user data. The flaw stems from improper state management in the operating system's authorization logic. Apple addressed the issue with improved state management in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-863] Incorrect Authorization. No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or evidence of in-the-wild exploitation has been reported at the time of publication.

Critical Impact
An application running on an affected macOS system can bypass authorization checks and read sensitive user data without proper entitlements.

Affected Products

Apple macOS prior to Golden Gate 27
Apple macOS prior to Sequoia 15.8
Apple macOS prior to Tahoe 26.7

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-14 - CVE-2026-65378 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-09-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-65378

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-65378 is an incorrect authorization flaw [CWE-863] in Apple macOS. Apple's advisories describe the root issue as inadequate state management within an authorization decision path. When the affected component evaluates whether a caller is entitled to a protected resource, transient state changes are not correctly tracked. This allows an application to reach a code path that grants access to sensitive user data without satisfying the intended authorization requirements. Apple confirmed the issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7 across Apple Support Document #149035, Apple Support Document #149042, and Apple Support Document #149043.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper state management in an authorization routine. The component fails to consistently validate the caller's authorization state across all execution paths. Apple resolved the defect by tightening state tracking so that authorization decisions cannot be reached from an inconsistent state.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an application running on the affected macOS host. A malicious or compromised app invokes the vulnerable authorization path to retrieve user data it is not entitled to access. No user interaction beyond running the app is required. Apple has not published exploit details, and no public proof-of-concept is available.

No verified exploit code is available for CVE-2026-65378. Refer to Apple's official advisories for authoritative technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-65378

Indicators of Compromise

Unsigned or unnotarized applications reading files from protected user directories such as ~/Library, ~/Documents, or TCC-protected locations without corresponding user consent prompts.
Unexpected process access to sensitive data stores including Contacts, Calendars, Photos, and Mail databases from apps lacking the appropriate entitlements.
Recently installed third-party applications making anomalous file-read syscalls shortly after launch.

Detection Strategies

Inventory macOS endpoints and flag any host running a build older than macOS Sequoia 15.8, macOS Tahoe 26.7, or macOS Golden Gate 27.
Correlate application launch events with subsequent access to TCC-protected paths to identify authorization bypass patterns.
Baseline expected data-access behavior per application and alert on deviations, particularly reads against user Library subdirectories.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable Endpoint Security framework telemetry (ES_EVENT_TYPE_AUTH_FILE_PROVIDER_MATERIALIZE, ES_EVENT_TYPE_NOTIFY_OPEN) to record file access requests against sensitive paths.
Forward unified log events related to tccd and authorization services to a centralized data lake for retrospective hunting.
Track application code-signing identifiers and alert on new or unsigned binaries that touch protected user data.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-65378

Immediate Actions Required

Update affected systems to macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, or macOS Tahoe 26.7 as applicable to the installed major version.
Audit installed third-party applications and remove any that are unsigned, unnotarized, or from untrusted sources.
Review TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) permissions and revoke access for applications that do not require sensitive data.

Patch Information

Apple released fixes in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.7. Patch details are documented in Apple Support Document #149035, Apple Support Document #149042, and Apple Support Document #149043. Apply updates through System Settings > General > Software Update or via enterprise MDM.

Workarounds

No official workaround exists. Apply the vendor patch as the primary remediation.
Restrict application installation to the Mac App Store and identified developers via Gatekeeper policy until patching is complete.
Use MDM configuration profiles to enforce minimum OS versions and block execution of unapproved binaries on managed endpoints.

bash

# Verify installed macOS version and initiate software update
sw_vers -productVersion
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart