CVE-2020-10015
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in macOS that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects macOS Catalina, Mojave, and Big Sur before specific security updates. Attackers could gain complete control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious application gains kernel privileges to bypass security restrictions and access protected resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched and have application allowlisting or other privilege restriction controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to run malicious code on the target system. No public exploit code is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.1, Security Update 2020-001 Catalina, Security Update 2020-007 Mojave
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211931
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict execution of untrusted applications using application allowlisting or parental controls.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from network access and sensitive data
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version in System Preferences > About This Mac. If version is earlier than specified patched versions, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version matches or exceeds: Big Sur 11.1, Catalina with Security Update 2020-001, Mojave with Security Update 2020-007.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions loading
- Processes running with elevated privileges from unusual applications
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from kernel processes to suspicious destinations
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name contains "kernel" and process_name not in ("trusted_process1", "trusted_process2")