CVE-2020-27905
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-27905 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS that allows a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. This affects users running vulnerable versions of these operating systems. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources gaining elevated privileges to access protected data or system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are updated, use only App Store apps, and have proper app sandboxing enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to install malicious application. Memory corruption vulnerabilities typically require specific conditions to exploit reliably.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 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. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install iOS 14.2/iPadOS 14.2/tvOS 14.2/watchOS 7.1 or later. 3. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow installation from Apple App Store to prevent malicious apps
Settings > General > Device Management > Enable 'Allow Apps From App Store Only'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict device to only install apps from Apple App Store
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installation and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 14.2, iPadOS 14.2, tvOS 14.2, or watchOS 7.1, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Version (iOS/iPadOS/watchOS) or Settings > General > About (tvOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is iOS 14.2/iPadOS 14.2/tvOS 14.2/watchOS 7.1 or later in Settings > General > About > Version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process elevation, kernel panic logs, suspicious app installation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'process elevation', 'kernel panic', 'app installation from untrusted source' on affected Apple devices