CVE-2017-13872macOS High Sierra Authentication Bypass
macOS High Sierra before Security Update 2017-001 is affected.
Published Nov 29, 2017 · Updated May 12, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2017-13872 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1 v3) affecting Mac OS X (Apple), macOS High Sierra.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 37% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v3
8.1
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
37%
Higher than 98.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
61/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
4
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products. macOS High Sierra before Security Update 2017-001 is affected. The issue involves the "Directory Utility" component. It allows attackers to obtain administrator access without a password via certain interactions involving entry of the root user name.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Mac OS XApple | 10.13.0, 10.13.1 | n/a |
| macOS High Sierra | >= macOS High Sierra | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 29, 2017
Last updated
May 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-287 Improper Authentication
References
- advisoryarstechnica.com · macos-bug-lets-you-log-in-as-admin-with-no-pass…
- advisorysupport.apple.com · HT208315
- advisorywired.com · macos-update-undoes-apple-root-bug-patch
- advisory101981
- advisory1039875
FAQ
Common Questions.
An issue was discovered in certain Apple products.
Affected: Mac OS X (Apple) versions 10.13.0, 10.13.1; macOS High Sierra versions >= macOS High Sierra. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2017-13872 On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.
Request A Demo