CVE-2020-29620
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass security restrictions and gain elevated privileges. It affects macOS systems running older versions that haven't been updated. Attackers could exploit this to execute code with higher permissions than intended.
💻 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 root-level access, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions, access protected files, and install additional malicious software.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting and user account restrictions, though privilege escalation would still be possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to run a malicious application. Apple has not disclosed technical details to prevent weaponization.
🛠️ 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/HT212011
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install available security updates. 3. Restart your Mac when prompted. 4. Verify update installation in About This Mac > System Report > Software > Installations.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications using macOS security features
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
- Use standard user accounts instead of administrator accounts for daily work
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: Click Apple menu > About This Mac. If version is older than Big Sur 11.1, Catalina Security Update 2020-001, or Mojave Security Update 2020-007, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed updates contain the security patches. Check Software Update history or use 'system_profiler SPInstallHistoryDataType' in Terminal.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system.log
- Unauthorized entitlement requests in security logs
- Processes running with unexpected privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from elevated processes
- DNS requests to known malicious domains from system processes
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="*entitlement*")