CVE-2020-9830
📋 TL;DR
This is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects users running older versions of these operating systems before the security patches were released.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks against specific users to gain elevated privileges and bypass application sandboxing.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are patched and proper application vetting is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.5, iPadOS 13.5, macOS Catalina 10.15.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT211170
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 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 allowlisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 13.5, iPadOS 13.5, or macOS 10.15.5, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the version shows iOS 13.5 or later, iPadOS 13.5 or later, or macOS 10.15.5 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel panics
- Unusual process spawning with elevated privileges
- Application crash reports showing memory corruption
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Suspicious network activity following application installation
SIEM Query:
Process creation events where parent process is an untrusted application and child process has SYSTEM/root privileges