Table of Contents
Should You Update macOS After the BSI Vulnerability Alert in February 2026?
Understanding the BSI Security Alert
Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) published a security advisory on February 12, 2026, alerting macOS users to address critical system vulnerabilities. This warning emphasizes the need for immediate software updates to protect devices from potential security breaches.
Critical Vulnerabilities Identified
Several high-severity issues affect macOS systems, requiring attention from users across multiple versions. The vulnerabilities include:
- Remote denial-of-service attacks (CVE-2025-46290) that allow attackers to disrupt system operations without physical access
- Kernel memory exposure (CVE-2026-20620) enabling unauthorized access to sensitive system information
- Privacy breaches (CVE-2026-20612) permitting applications to access protected user data without proper authorization
- Directory path parsing flaws (CVE-2026-20625) that compromise file system security
- TCC bypass vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-43530) allowing circumvention of Apple’s privacy protection framework
The most concerning issue involves the ScreenReader.framework component, where attackers can exploit verification weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to microphones, documents, and other sensitive resources.
Required Updates and Affected Versions
Apple addressed these security concerns through updates released on February 11, 2026. Users must install the following versions:
- macOS Tahoe 26.3 for the latest operating system
- macOS Sequoia 15.7.4 for recent installations
- macOS Sonoma 14.8.4 for older supported systems
These patches implement improved validation methods, stricter verification protocols, and enhanced bounds checking to eliminate the identified vulnerabilities.
Protection Measures for Users
Update your system immediately through System Preferences or System Settings to install the latest security patches. The BSI’s role focuses on identifying and communicating security risks before widespread exploitation occurs. Apple has strengthened its verification mechanisms by implementing entitlement-based authentication that validates running processes rather than relying solely on file path checks.
Organizations and individual users should prioritize these updates, particularly for devices handling sensitive information, financial data, or business operations. The vulnerabilities fall under YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) considerations due to their potential impact on data privacy and system integrity.