CVE-2026-24070 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-426 (Untrusted Search Path) found in Native Instruments' Native Access application, verified up to version 3.22.0. The core issue lies in the deployment of a privileged helper service, com.native-instruments.NativeAccess.Helper2, which facilitates privileged operations such as copying files, removing files, and setting permissions via XPC communication. This helper service restricts communication to clients signed with a specific Developer ID certificate. However, the Native Access application itself is signed with entitlements `com.apple.security.cs.allow-dyld-environment-variables` and `com.apple.security.cs.disable-library-validation`. These entitlements allow dynamic library (DYLIB) injection, enabling an attacker with low privileges to inject malicious code into the application process. Through this injected code, the attacker can invoke privileged helper functions to delete the critical /etc/sudoers file and replace it with a malicious version, granting unauthorized root privileges. This attack chain effectively bypasses normal privilege boundaries on macOS systems. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's nature allows for straightforward exploitation by local users. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on the potential for full privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as it allows unauthorized root access and system control. The attack requires local access but no user interaction beyond executing code in the context of Native Access. The scope is limited to systems running the vulnerable Native Access versions on macOS. This vulnerability highlights the risks of overly permissive code signing entitlements and the importance of secure helper service communication.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a critical risk, especially for those in the music production, audio engineering, and creative software sectors where Native Instruments products are widely used. Successful exploitation results in full root privilege escalation, allowing attackers to compromise system integrity, steal sensitive data, install persistent malware, or disrupt operations. The ability to modify /etc/sudoers can lead to persistent unauthorized administrative access, undermining trust in affected systems. Organizations with macOS endpoints running Native Access are vulnerable, potentially impacting IT infrastructure security and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The attack requires local access, so insider threats or compromised user accounts could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. Given the lack of public exploits, the immediate risk is moderate but could increase rapidly once exploit code becomes available. The vulnerability also poses risks to managed service providers and studios that rely on Native Instruments software, potentially affecting supply chains and client data confidentiality.

1. Immediately restrict access to systems running Native Access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity related to the application or the /etc/sudoers file. 2. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect DYLIB injection attempts and unauthorized modifications to privileged files. 3. Enforce strict application whitelisting and code integrity policies to prevent loading of unauthorized dynamic libraries. 4. Isolate systems running Native Access from critical infrastructure where possible to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 5. Regularly audit and monitor the /etc/sudoers file and related system configuration files for unauthorized changes. 6. Engage with Native Instruments for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once released. 7. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted code or plugins within Native Access. 8. Consider deploying macOS security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP) and mandatory access controls to reduce the impact of privilege escalation. 9. Use multi-factor authentication and least privilege principles to reduce the risk of initial compromise. 10. Maintain up-to-date backups to enable recovery in case of system compromise.