CVE-2020-9914 – This CVE describes a Bluetooth input validation... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-9914?

CVE-2020-9914 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This CVE describes a Bluetooth input validation vulnerability in Apple devices that allows attackers in a privileged network position to send malformed Bluetooth packets, potentially causing denial of service. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. Successful exploitation could disrupt Bluetooth functionality on affected devices.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a Bluetooth input validation vulnerability in Apple devices that allows attackers in a privileged network position to send malformed Bluetooth packets, potentially causing denial of service. The vulnerability affects iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. Successful exploitation could disrupt Bluetooth functionality on affected devices.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

iPhone
iPad
Apple TV

Versions: iOS/iPadOS versions before 13.6, tvOS versions before 13.4.8

Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, tvOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: All devices with Bluetooth enabled and running affected versions are vulnerable by default.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete disruption of Bluetooth functionality on affected devices, potentially affecting connectivity to peripherals, audio devices, and other Bluetooth-dependent services.

🟠

Likely Case

Temporary Bluetooth service disruption requiring device restart to restore functionality.

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and updated devices.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires attacker to be in privileged network position, not directly internet exploitable.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers with network access could potentially exploit this vulnerability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires attacker to be in a privileged network position and craft malformed Bluetooth packets.

🛠️ 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 device after installation completes.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Bluetooth

all

Temporarily disable Bluetooth to prevent exploitation until patching is possible.

Settings > Bluetooth > Toggle Off

Network Segmentation

all

Segment Bluetooth networks to limit attacker access to privileged positions.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable Bluetooth on affected devices when not in use
Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach Bluetooth networks

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device version in Settings > General > About > Version. If version is earlier than iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, or tvOS 13.4.8, device is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Settings > General > About > Version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify device version is iOS 13.6+, iPadOS 13.6+, or tvOS 13.4.8+ in Settings > General > About > Version.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Bluetooth service crashes
Unusual Bluetooth disconnection events
Malformed packet warnings in Bluetooth logs

Network Indicators:

Unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns
Malformed Bluetooth packets from untrusted sources

SIEM Query:

Search for Bluetooth service failures or crashes on Apple devices running pre-patch versions

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-9914

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

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

CWE: CWE-20

Published: October 16, 2020

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://support.apple.com/HT211288 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT211290 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT211288 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/HT211290 Release Notes,Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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