---
id: "CVE-2026-86945"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-86945"]
title: "macOS: malicious app can create files in protected directories"
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: "2026-10-26T21:20:32+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-26T21:56:48+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86945", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00"}]
---

# macOS: malicious app can create files in protected directories

Apple fixed a flaw in macOS that lets a malicious app create files in protected directories. The attacker gets write access to places that normal apps are blocked from touching.

_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`
- Compare against the fixed builds: `27.2` (Golden Gate), `15.8.2` (Sequoia), `26.7.2` (Tahoe)

## Fix

- Update macOS to `27.2` (Golden Gate), `15.8.2` (Sequoia) or `26.7.2` (Tahoe) via System Settings > General > Software Update

## Timeline

- 2026-10-26T21:55:22+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-86945

## From the sources

This issue was addressed with improved checks. 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 create files in protected directories.

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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_