Main Vulnerability Database Vulnerabilities #VU158005

Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in macOS - CVE-2026-86966

Published: October 27, 2026

Vulnerability identifier: #VU158005

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-2026-86966

CWE-ID: CWE-59

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 insecure symbolic link following in copyfile. A local application can modify protected parts of the file system.

macOS
Apple iOS
iPadOS

Install update from vendor's website.

macOS - addressed in versions 26.7.2 25G332, 15.8.2 24H232
Apple iOS - update to 26.7.2
iPadOS - update to 26.7.2