CVE-2020-9870
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an attacker with memory write capability to bypass pointer authentication codes, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. It affects Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS systems with insufficient validation logic. Users running affected versions of these Apple operating systems are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with kernel-level arbitrary code execution leading to complete data theft, persistence, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing attackers to execute code with higher privileges than originally obtained.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched and have additional memory protection mechanisms enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires memory write capability, making it more likely to be chained with other vulnerabilities. No public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, tvOS 13.4.8
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT211288
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Navigate to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the available update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary services
allReduce attack surface by disabling unused network services and applications
Enable additional security features
macOSTurn on System Integrity Protection (SIP) and other Apple security features
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks and internet access
- Implement strict application control and monitor for unusual process behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions list. On macOS: System Information > Software > System Version. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Check in Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is equal to or newer than iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, or tvOS 13.4.8📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected process termination
- Memory access violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Suspicious network activity following memory-related events
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR event="memory_violation")