CVE-2026-20614 Path traversal in macOS

High 7.8 Published 11 Feb 2026 Updated 2 Apr 2026

An attacker can exploit a path handling flaw in macOS to gain root privileges, requiring an update to the operating system.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-20614?

CVE-2026-20614 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in Apple Macos, published on 11 Feb 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

A path handling issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, macOS Tahoe 26.3. An app may be able to gain root privileges.

Weakness: CWE-22

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-20614?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Apple Macos.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20614?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-20614 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2026-20614 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-20614 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Apple Macos vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-hx52-r225-3pxc.