CVE-2026-32323: Mullvad VPN for macOS: Local Privilege Escalation via unverified bundle path in installer
Mullvad VPN is a VPN client app for desktop and mobile. When using macOS with versions 2026.1 and below, Mullvad VPN may allow local privilege escalation during installation or upgrade. The installer package executes binaries from /Applications/Mullvad VPN.app without verifying if the bundle is attacker-controlled or that the path is the legitimate Mullvad application. A user in the admin group can pre-place a crafted application bundle at that location and may be able to achieve code execution as root. Since the issue only affected the installer, there is no immediate need for users to update if they are already running an older version. This issue has been fixed in version 2026.2-beta1.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Mullvad VPN (macOS installer)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2026.2-beta1 - Compensating control
On macOS versions 2026.1 and below, mitigate local privilege escalation during installation/upgrade by ensuring an attacker cannot pre-place a crafted application bundle at the location where the installer executes binaries from /Applications/Mullvad VPN.app (e.g., restrict admin-group access to the install target path).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-32323?
CVE-2026-32323 has been reported as a local privilege escalation vulnerability affecting Mullvad VPN for macOS.
How do I fix CVE-2026-32323?
To fix CVE-2026-32323, upgrade to a version of Mullvad VPN for macOS that is above 2026.1.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-32323?
CVE-2026-32323 affects users of Mullvad VPN for macOS version 2026.1 and below.
What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2026-32323?
CVE-2026-32323 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can occur during installation or upgrade of the software.
What platforms are impacted by CVE-2026-32323?
CVE-2026-32323 impacts the macOS platform specifically for Mullvad VPN.