How severe is CVE-2015-6980?

CVE-2015-6980 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2015-6980 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-6980?

CVE-2015-6980 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-6980?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2015-6980 published?

CVE-2015-6980 was published on 2016-01-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2015-6980

CVE-2015-6980 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (28th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2016-01-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Directory Utility in Apple OS X before 10.11.1 mishandles authentication for new sessions, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-6980?: Directory Utility in Apple OS X before 10.11.1 mishandles authentication for new sessions, which allows local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
How severe is CVE-2015-6980?: CVE-2015-6980 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2015-6980 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (28th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2015-6980?: CVE-2015-6980 affects Apple Mac Os X. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2015-6980?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2015-6980 published?: CVE-2015-6980 was published on 2016-01-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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