CVE-2020-9907
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-9907 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS that allows malicious applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects users running vulnerable versions of these operating systems, potentially giving attackers full control over affected devices.
💻 Affected Systems
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple TV
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Tvos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, bypass security controls, and use the device as a foothold for lateral movement.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks against specific users or organizations to gain persistent access to mobile devices, potentially for espionage, data theft, or credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are fully patched and running with proper security controls, though legacy devices that cannot be updated remain vulnerable.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to install a malicious application. The vulnerability has been confirmed as exploited in the wild according to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, tvOS 13.4.8
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/HT211288
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. 2. Download and install iOS 13.6/iPadOS 13.6/tvOS 13.4.8 or later. 3. Restart the device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of applications from untrusted sources to reduce attack surface
Settings > General > Device Management > Restrict Apps
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable devices from critical networks and sensitive data
- Implement strict application whitelisting and only allow installation from trusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, or tvOS 13.4.8, the device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the version shows iOS 13.6+, iPadOS 13.6+, or tvOS 13.4.8+ in Settings > General > About > Version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected kernel panics
- Unusual application installation events
- Suspicious privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from mobile devices
- Communication with known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="apple-mobile" AND (event_type="kernel_panic" OR event_type="app_install")