External risk intelligence

Apple Font Processing Vulnerability Leading to Code Execution

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-27930

A memory corruption vulnerability exists in Apple operating systems, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution if a user opens a maliciously crafted font file. This poses a risk of unauthorized system control and data compromise. Organizations should apply vendor updates to mitigate this threat.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 14.2before 12.4.914.0 to before 14.2before 10.15.711.0 to before 11.0.1before 5.3.96.0 to before 6.2.97.0 to before 7.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-27930

The vulnerability involves memory corruption during the processing of maliciously crafted fonts within Apple operating systems. This is a local, client-side file processing issue that requires a user to interact with a specific malicious file, rather than being a public-facing network service or internet-reachable appliance.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption flaw has been identified within Apple's font processing capabilities. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The impact of such an execution could lead to unauthorized actions on the system, potentially compromising data or system integrity.

  • Vulnerable component: Font processing
  • Core weakness: Memory corruption
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected system by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted font file. The memory corruption issue is triggered when the operating system processes this malicious font, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of the system. This could result in the compromise of sensitive data, disruption of business operations, and further exploitation of the affected environment.

  • Exposure condition: User opens malicious font file.
  • Attacker starting point: Local access to the system.
  • Trigger and result: Font processing leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems could allow for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability presents a significant risk as it could enable an attacker to gain control of affected systems. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential business impact.

  • Attacker skill level: Moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with a crafted font file.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by processing a specially crafted font file. Affected organizations should prioritize identifying systems that may be exposed to this risk and take steps to reduce potential impact. Applying vendor-provided security updates is the primary method for remediation.

  • Identify affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-27930 and how does it affect Apple products?

CVE-2020-27930 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Apple's font processing component. It affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution if a user interacts with a specially crafted font file.

What type of weakness does CVE-2020-27930 exhibit?

This vulnerability is a memory corruption issue, specifically classified as CWE-787, due to improper input validation when processing font files.

How can CVE-2020-27930 be triggered?

The vulnerability is triggered when an operating system processes a maliciously crafted font file. This requires a user to interact with such a file, leading to arbitrary code execution.

How relevant is CVE-2020-27930 to security?

Halo Surface Signal assesses this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be exploited as a widespread threat due to its local, client-side nature requiring user interaction with a malicious file, rather than being a network-facing service vulnerability.

What is the recommended response to CVE-2020-27930?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize identifying affected Apple systems and apply vendor-provided security updates. Reducing exposure and isolating risk are also recommended steps.

References