Path Parsing Vulnerability in macOS Products by Apple
CVE-2026-43749

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Apple

Status
Vendor
CVE Published:
27 July 2026

Badges

🔥 Trending now📈 Trended📈 Score: 2,000

What is CVE-2026-43749?

CVE-2026-43749 is a vulnerability identified in Apple's macOS products that arises from a flaw in the path parsing mechanism used for handling directory paths. This vulnerability could potentially allow an application to gain root privileges on the affected system, posing a significant risk for organizations that rely on macOS for their operations. Root privileges would enable unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, which could be exploited maliciously. The issue has been addressed in specific macOS versions—namely macOS Sequoia 15.7.8, macOS Sonoma 14.8.8, and macOS Tahoe 26.6—through improved path validation. Organizations using these macOS products should prioritize upgrading to the fixed versions to close the security gap.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-43749

  1. Unauthorized Privilege Escalation: The vulnerability could enable attackers to execute code with escalated privileges, allowing them unrestricted access to sensitive data and system functionalities.

  2. Increased Attack Surface: Organizations vulnerable to CVE-2026-43749 may face an expanded attack surface, making it easier for malicious actors to exploit not just this vulnerability but secondary vulnerabilities as well.

  3. Data Breach Risks: With the potential for gaining root privileges, sensitive information stored on affected devices could be exposed, leading to data breaches that may compromise user trust and regulatory compliance.

Affected Version(s)

macOS 0 < 14.8.8

macOS 0 < 15.7.8

macOS 0 < 26.6

References

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 📈

    Vulnerability started trending

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

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