CVE-2026-28915: An app may be able to gain root privileges in Apple macOS
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-28915 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple macOS involving a parsing flaw in directory path handling that could allow an application to escalate privileges to root. The issue is related to improper validation of directory paths (CWE-22). Apple has fixed this vulnerability by improving path validation in specific macOS versions: Sequoia 15.7.7, Sonoma 14.8.7, and Tahoe 26.5. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting local attack vector with low attack complexity, no privileges required initially, user interaction required, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain root privileges on the affected macOS system, leading to full control over the system. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. There are no known exploits in the wild currently.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released fixes for this vulnerability in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, and macOS Tahoe 26.5. Users and administrators should apply these updates to remediate the issue. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory indicating fixed versions. No additional mitigation steps are specified.
CVE-2026-28915: An app may be able to gain root privileges in Apple macOS
Description
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths was addressed with improved path validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, macOS Tahoe 26.5. An app may be able to gain root privileges.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-28915 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple macOS involving a parsing flaw in directory path handling that could allow an application to escalate privileges to root. The issue is related to improper validation of directory paths (CWE-22). Apple has fixed this vulnerability by improving path validation in specific macOS versions: Sequoia 15.7.7, Sonoma 14.8.7, and Tahoe 26.5. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting local attack vector with low attack complexity, no privileges required initially, user interaction required, unchanged scope, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain root privileges on the affected macOS system, leading to full control over the system. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. There are no known exploits in the wild currently.
Mitigation Recommendations
Apple has released fixes for this vulnerability in macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, macOS Sonoma 14.8.7, and macOS Tahoe 26.5. Users and administrators should apply these updates to remediate the issue. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory indicating fixed versions. No additional mitigation steps are specified.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apple
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-03T16:36:03.985Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a028752cbff5d86108b5842
Added to database: 05/12/2026, 01:50:10 UTC
Last enriched: 05/19/2026, 09:36:05 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:58 UTC
Views: 107
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.