CVE-2020-9882 – This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerabil... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-9882?

CVE-2020-9882 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple's USD file processing that could allow arbitrary code execution when opening malicious files. It affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS users who process USD files. The vulnerability was fixed in Apple's June 2020 security updates.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in Apple's USD file processing that could allow arbitrary code execution when opening malicious files. It affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS users who process USD files. The vulnerability was fixed in Apple's June 2020 security updates.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iOS
iPadOS
macOS
watchOS

Versions: Versions prior to iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, watchOS 6.2.8

Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All systems with USD file processing capabilities are vulnerable by default. USD (Universal Scene Description) is used in 3D graphics workflows.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise via arbitrary code execution with user privileges, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.

🟠

Likely Case

Application crashes or denial of service when processing malicious USD files, with potential for limited code execution in targeted attacks.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if systems are patched or if USD file processing is disabled/restricted.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires user interaction to open malicious files, not directly exploitable over network.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal users could be targeted via email attachments or shared files, but requires social engineering.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious USD file. No public exploit code is known, but buffer overflow vulnerabilities in file parsers are commonly weaponized.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, watchOS 6.2.8

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211288

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Install available updates. 4. Restart device when prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable USD file processing

all

Block or restrict USD file types from being opened by vulnerable applications

Application sandboxing

macOS

Run applications that process USD files in sandboxed environments

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized USD file processing
Use email/web gateways to block USD file attachments and downloads

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check system version against affected versions. On macOS: System Information > Software. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About.

Check Version:

macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify system version is equal to or newer than patched versions listed in fix_official section.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Application crashes related to USD file processing
Unexpected process termination of USD-related applications

Network Indicators:

Downloads of USD files from untrusted sources
Email attachments with USD file extensions

SIEM Query:

Process termination events for USD-related applications OR File creation events with .usd/.usda/.usdc extensions

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-9882

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-120

Published: October 22, 2020

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211288 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211289 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211291 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211288 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211289 Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211291 Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

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