CVE-2026-47121

What it is

Sparkle is a software update framework for macOS. Prior to version 2.9.2, `Autoupdate/SUBinaryDeltaApply.m` enforces `relativePath.pathComponents containsObject:@".."` and rejects writes whose immediate parent directory IS itself a symbolic link, but does not detect symlinks deeper in the relative path. `Autoupdate/SPUSparkleDeltaArchive.m`'s `extractItem:` will create symlinks in the destination tree from archive content (no `..` check on the symlink target), and a subsequent `Extract` item targeting `<symlink>/foo/bar` then escapes the destination tree via `fopen(path, "wb")` because the kernel resolves the intermediate symlink during the open call. This is a defense-in-depth issue: exploitation requires a maliciously-crafted `.delta` that passes EdDSA signature verification, i.e. EdDSA private-key compromise. With the AppInstaller running as root for system-domain installs, it gives the holder of a stolen signing key arbitrary file write at root level via the delta-apply path, which is a strictly broader primitive than the "drop-in replacement bundle" install they would otherwise have. Version 2.9.2 contains a patch for the issue.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-07-21 14:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-24 20:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.1 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-07-21 14:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-24 20:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• sparkle-project Sparkle < 2.9.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-47121.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-47121. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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