Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in macOS - CVE-2026-20688

 

Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in macOS - CVE-2026-20688

Published: March 25, 2026


Vulnerability identifier: #VU124375
CSH Severity: Low
CVSS v4: 8.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-20688
CWE-ID: CWE-22
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability: No public exploit available

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability allows a local application to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect handling of path names in Printing. A local application can break out of its sandbox.


Affected software

macOS
Apple iOS
iPadOS
visionOS

How to mitigate CVE-2026-20688

Install update from vendor's website.

macOS - addressed in versions 26.4 25E246, 14.8.5 23J423, 15.7.5 24G624
Apple iOS - update to 26.4 23E246
iPadOS - update to 26.4 23E246
visionOS - update to 26.4

External References

Related Security Bulletins