CVE-2020-9975
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Successful exploitation gives attackers full system control.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 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 installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to full system control by malicious applications or users.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are fully patched and application execution is restricted.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or ability to execute malicious code on target system. No public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, tvOS 14.0, macOS Big Sur 11.1, Security Update 2020-001 Catalina, Security Update 2020-007 Mojave, watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0, iPadOS 14.0
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install all available security updates. 3. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
macOSRestrict execution of untrusted applications to reduce attack surface
sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent execution of untrusted code
- Segment affected systems from critical network resources and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions list. On macOS: sw_vers -productVersionCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion, iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version is equal to or newer than patched versions listed in fix_official.patch_version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious process creation with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Lateral movement attempts from affected systems
SIEM Query:
process where parent_process_name in ('kernel_task', 'launchd') and process_name not in (expected_system_processes)🔗 References
- 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
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212011
- 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
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212011
