CVE-2020-10016
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal all data, and use the device as a foothold for lateral movement.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks against specific users or organizations to gain full device control, potentially for espionage or data theft.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and have additional security controls like application sandboxing and endpoint protection.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed or executed on the target device. The vulnerability is in the kernel, making exploitation technically challenging but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, tvOS 14.2, watchOS 7.1
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211928
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install available updates. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 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 control policies and only allow trusted applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions list. On macOS: About This Mac > Overview. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is equal to or newer than patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel extensions or modules loading
- Unusual process spawning with elevated privileges
- System integrity protection (SIP) violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from kernel-level processes
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process is kernel_task or similar system process with unusual command line arguments🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/26
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/32
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211928
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211929
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211930
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211931
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212011
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/26
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/32
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211928
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211929
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211930
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211931
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212011
