CVE-2020-9785
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious application to exploit memory corruption issues to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects Apple devices running vulnerable versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Attackers could gain complete control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full device compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal all data, and control device functions.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could exploit this to gain elevated privileges and perform unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, exploitation risk is significantly reduced to isolated incidents.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, macOS Catalina 10.15.4, tvOS 13.4, watchOS 6.2
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT211100
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS. 2. Go to System Preferences > Software Update on macOS. 3. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on tvOS. 4. Download and install the latest update. 5. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources like the official App Store.
🧯 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 the device's current OS version against the vulnerable versions listed above.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/watchOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac. tvOS: Settings > General > About.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version is at or above the patched versions: iOS 13.4+, iPadOS 13.4+, macOS 10.15.4+, tvOS 13.4+, watchOS 6.2+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel crashes or panics
- Unusual application behavior with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Apple devices
- Traffic to known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="apple_device_logs" AND (event_type="kernel_panic" OR process_name="malicious_app")