Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in macOS - CVE-2026-20653

 

Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in macOS - CVE-2026-20653

Published: February 11, 2026


Vulnerability identifier: #VU122695
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4: 4.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-20653
CWE-ID: CWE-22
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability: No public exploit available

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability allows a local application to gain access to sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect handling of path names in Shortcuts. A local application can trick the victim into opening a specially crafted file and access sensitive user data.


Affected software

macOS
visionOS
iPadOS
Apple iOS

How to mitigate CVE-2026-20653

Install update from vendor's website.

macOS - addressed in versions 26.3 25D125, 14.8.4 23J319, 15.7.4 24G517
visionOS - update to 26.3
iPadOS - addressed in versions 18.7.5 22H311, 26.3 23D127
Apple iOS - addressed in versions 18.7.5 22H311, 26.3 23D127

External References

Related Security Bulletins