GoKawiilMac users who haven’t installed the latest security updates for their operating system could be in danger of exposure to a major screen-sharing vulnerability. According to researchers in the Netherlands, the exploit has already led to online hacking for cryptocurrency mining.
As sites including 9to5Mac and Ars Technica have reported, Apple recently addressed the issue with security updates to its three most recent MacOS versions: Sonoma 14.8.9, Sequoia 15.7.9 and Tahoe 26.6.1.
If you haven’t upgraded to those operating system versions, you may be exposing your system to a loss of control through the screen-sharing function, which allows you to wirelessly mirror or extend your Mac‘s desktop to a TV, tablet or other device’s screen.
According to Apple’s update documentation, the vulnerability could allow an attacker on the network to authenticate to screen sharing without valid credentials. That could mean not only viewing your screen, but also opening up files, spying on private chats and even taking control of your keyboard and mouse or trackpad.
On MacOS versions that don’t have the update, a hack could occur while screen sharing is actively in use, or if it’s left on without disconnecting. You can turn off screen sharing or check who has access to your Mac’s screen in the Mac OS system settings under General, and then Sharing.
A representative for Apple did not immediately return a request for comment.