---
id: "CVE-2026-84545"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-84545"]
title: "macOS: use-after-free lets a sandboxed app escape and run as root"
severity: "high"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["endpoints", "fleet-management", "infrastructure", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["fully-patched-macos"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:06+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:57:14+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-84545", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: use-after-free lets a sandboxed app escape and run as root

A use-after-free memory bug in macOS lets an app under App Sandbox restrictions break out of the sandbox. The attacker can then run code with root privileges.

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

## How to check

- Check the macOS version with `sw_vers -productVersion` and compare it to the fixed builds listed in the sources.
- Check whether Apple's security update list shows the patch installed under Software Update.

## Fix

- Update macOS to `27` (Golden Gate), `15.8.2` (Sequoia), or `26.7.2` (Tahoe), or a later release.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-84545

## From the sources

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. An app with App Sandbox restrictions may be able to escape the sandbox and execute code with root privileges.

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