---
id: "CVE-2026-86896"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86896"]
title: "macOS: permissions flaw lets a malicious app gain root privileges"
severity: "high"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["endpoints", "fleet-management", "infrastructure", "macos"]
not_affected_if: ["already-patched"]
published_at: "2026-10-26T21:20:25+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:57:00+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86896", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: permissions flaw lets a malicious app gain root privileges

A permissions issue in macOS lets a malicious app escalate its rights to root on the machine. Apple fixed it with additional restrictions in the listed macOS releases.

_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 the output with the fixed versions below.
- Check Software Update in System Settings for pending macOS security updates.

## Fix

- Update macOS Golden Gate to `27.2` or later.
- Update macOS Sequoia to `15.8.2` or later.
- Update macOS Tahoe to `26.7.2` or later.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86896

## From the sources

A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. This issue is fixed in macOS Golden Gate 27.2, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. A malicious app may be able to gain 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_