CVE-2020-9965
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-9965 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS systems running vulnerable versions. Successful exploitation gives attackers complete control over the affected device.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal sensitive data, or create backdoors.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation where a malicious app gains kernel privileges to bypass security controls and access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are fully patched and running with proper application sandboxing and security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or a malicious application. The vulnerability is in the kernel, making exploitation more complex but highly rewarding for attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0, watchOS 7.0, tvOS 14.0
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart the device when prompted. For managed devices, use MDM tools to deploy updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allRestrict installation of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
For macOS: sudo spctl --master-enable
For iOS: Settings > General > Device Management > Enable restrictions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications
- Segment affected devices from critical network resources and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions. For macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. For iOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Check Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; watchOS/tvOS: Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is equal to or greater than patched versions: macOS 11.0.1+, iOS 14.0+, iPadOS 14.0+, watchOS 7.0+, tvOS 14.0+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected process privilege escalation
- Suspicious kernel module loading
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Unexpected network activity from kernel-level components
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="kernel_panic" OR process_privilege_change="root")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/32
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211844
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211850
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211931
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Dec/32
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211844
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211850
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211931
