---
id: "CVE-2026-112535"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-112535"]
title: "macOS: symlink race lets an app modify protected file system parts"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "other"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["macos", "macos-fleet", "mdm", "other"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched-macos"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:17:46+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:28:13+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-112535", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: symlink race lets an app modify protected file system parts

A race condition in how macOS handled symbolic links allowed a crafted app to change protected parts of the file system. Apple fixed it with improved symlink handling in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, Sequoia 15.8.2 and Tahoe 26.7.2.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Run `sw_vers -productVersion` on each Mac and compare against the fixed builds listed in the sources.
- Check Software Update in System Settings for pending macOS updates.

## Fix

- Update macOS to `27.2` (Golden Gate), `15.8.2` (Sequoia) or `26.7.2` (Tahoe), whichever matches the installed release.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-112535

## From the sources

A race condition was addressed with improved handling of symbolic links. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_