CVE-2020-9898
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-9898 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows a sandboxed process to bypass security restrictions. This affects iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation could allow malicious apps to access system resources they shouldn't normally reach.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious app could escape sandbox restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, user data, or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Likely Case
Malicious apps could access files, network resources, or system APIs beyond their intended permissions, potentially leading to data theft or further system compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to apps that have already passed through security checks, though zero-day exploitation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed and executed on the target device. No public exploit code is known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211288
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
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like the official App Store
Enable app restrictions
allUse parental controls or MDM to restrict app installations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > VersionCheck Version:
sw_vers (macOS) or check Settings > General > About (iOS/iPadOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is iOS 13.6+, iPadOS 13.6+, or macOS 10.15.6+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process behavior from sandboxed apps
- Unexpected file access attempts
Network Indicators:
- Sandboxed apps making unexpected network connections
SIEM Query:
Process execution from unexpected locations OR file access violations from sandboxed processes