---
id: "CVE-2026-112541"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-112541"]
title: "macOS: directory path parsing flaw lets an app gain root privileges"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple-devices", "infrastructure", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:17:46+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:28:09+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-112541", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: directory path parsing flaw lets an app gain root privileges

A parsing flaw in how macOS handles directory paths let an app escalate to root privileges, and Apple fixed it with stricter path validation. An attacker who already runs code as a local app could take full control of the Mac.

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

## How to check

- Run `sw_vers -productVersion` and compare against the fixed builds listed in the fix field.
- unknown

## Fix

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

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:20:27+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-112541

## From the sources

A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. 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 gain root privileges.

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