Pearcleaner's unauthenticated access to privileged XPC helper allows root command execution
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Local
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- Required
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Privilege escalation, Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-269 and CWE-78.
Summary
Pearcleaner is a free, source-available and fair-code licensed mac app cleaner. The PearcleanerHelper is a privileged helper tool bundled with the Pearcleaner application. It is registered and activated only after the user approves a system prompt to allow privileged operations. Upon approval, the helper is configured as a LaunchDaemon and runs with root privileges. In versions 4.4.0 through 4.5.1, the helper registers an XPC service (com.alienator88.Pearcleaner.PearcleanerHelper) and accepts unauthenticated connections from any local process. It exposes a method that executes arbitrary shell commands. This allows any local unprivileged user to escalate privileges to root once the helper is approved and active. This issue is fixed in version 4.5.2.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| alienator88 | Pearcleaner | 4.4.0 to before 4.5.2 | 4.5.2 | Patch available | CNA |
- Pearcleaner Vendoralienator88 Affected 4.4.0 to before 4.5.2 Fixed in 4.5.2 Patch available CNA
Remediation
- Fix · CNA Pearcleaner (alienator88) Fixed in 4.5.2
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2025-54595
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences