CVE-2020-10013
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a kernel privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. An application could exploit a logic issue to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially gaining full control of the device. This affects devices running versions before iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0, and tvOS 14.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple TV
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attacker to install persistent malware, access all user data, bypass security controls, and potentially use device as pivot point in network attacks.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks against specific users to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive data, or install surveillance tools.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are already patched or isolated from untrusted applications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious application. No public exploit code available at time of advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0, tvOS 14.0
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Tap General. 3. Tap Software Update. 4. Download and install iOS 14.0 or later. 5. Device will restart automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and sensitive data
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0, or tvOS 14.0, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Version (no command line available on iOS devices)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows iOS 14.0 or later, iPadOS 14.0 or later, or tvOS 14.0 or later in Settings > General > About > Version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual kernel process activity
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious application behavior
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from mobile devices
- Traffic to known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
device.os.name:"iOS" AND device.os.version:"<14.0" OR device.os.name:"iPadOS" AND device.os.version:"<14.0" OR device.os.name:"tvOS" AND device.os.version:"<14.0"