CVE-2020-9852
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. An attacker could gain complete control over affected devices. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS before specific patched versions.
💻 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
Complete system compromise with kernel-level access, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or create backdoors.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could exploit this to bypass sandboxing and gain elevated privileges for data theft or further system exploitation.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, exploitation would require user installation of malicious apps, reducing attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install malicious application. No public exploit code available at time of advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.5, iPadOS 13.5, macOS Catalina 10.15.5, tvOS 13.4.5, watchOS 6.2.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT211168
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 device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow app installations from trusted sources like Apple App Store
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
- Isolate vulnerable devices from critical network segments
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
iOS/iPadOS/watchOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac. tvOS: Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version is equal to or greater than patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel module loading
- Privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious application behavior
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from elevated processes
SIEM Query:
Process creation events where parent process is user application and child process has SYSTEM/root privileges