---
id: "CVE-2026-86877"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86877"]
title: "macOS: path traversal lets a malicious app delete protected files"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["apple", "developer-laptops", "infrastructure", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["non-macos-systems"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:22+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:57:02+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86877", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: path traversal lets a malicious app delete protected files

A path traversal flaw in macOS Golden Gate 27 lets a malicious app delete files it has no privileges to remove. The fix is improved path validation in the operating system.

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

## How to check

- Check the installed macOS version under Apple menu > About This Mac, or run `sw_vers -productVersion` in Terminal.
- Compare the result against the first fixed build listed by Apple for Golden Gate 27; the sources do not give a version number.

## Fix

- Install the macOS Golden Gate 27 update that Apple lists as fixing this issue (version unknown from the sources).

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:21+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86877

## From the sources

A path traversal issue was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27. A malicious app may be able to delete files for which it does not have 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_