External risk intelligence

Apple Operating System Kernel Memory Disclosure Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-27950

A memory initialization issue in Apple operating systems could allow a malicious application to disclose kernel memory. This may impact the confidentiality of system data. The risk to organizations is considered low, as exploitation requires a malicious application already running on the device.

1Halo Surface Signal

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-2020-27950

The vulnerability involves a memory initialization issue in operating system kernels (iOS, macOS, watchOS). Exploitation requires a malicious application already running locally on the device to disclose kernel memory. It is not reachable via the public internet and does not involve an externally facing service or network interface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory initialization flaw exists in Apple operating systems. This issue could allow a malicious application to access sensitive kernel memory. Disclosure of this information could potentially impact the confidentiality of system data.

  • Operating system kernel memory
  • Uninitialized memory disclosure
  • Sensitive data exposure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A memory initialization issue in certain Apple operating systems could allow a malicious application to disclose kernel memory. This occurs when a vulnerable application runs on an affected system, triggering an interaction that reveals sensitive kernel data. The impact of this disclosure could provide attackers with information that aids in further system compromise or data exfiltration.

  • Malicious application on affected system.
  • User interaction triggers memory disclosure.
  • Attacker gains kernel memory access.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS could permit a malicious application to expose sensitive kernel memory. This could lead to the disclosure of confidential information. The issue has been addressed in software updates.

  • Attackers with moderate skill.
  • Requires a malicious app and user interaction.
  • Business risk and urgency are low.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization must address a memory initialization vulnerability impacting Apple operating systems that could allow a malicious application to disclose sensitive kernel memory. This vulnerability carries a MEDIUM severity rating and is listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating a potential for widespread attack. Prompt action is necessary to mitigate business risk and protect organizational data.

  • Find affected Apple assets.
  • Isolate or reduce exposure.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apple Multiple Products Memory Initialization Vulnerability (CVE-2020-27950)?

This vulnerability affects Apple operating systems like iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. It stems from an issue in how memory is initialized, which could allow a malicious app to read sensitive information from the system's kernel.

What type of weakness does CVE-2020-27950 represent?

CVE-2020-27950 is classified as CWE-665, which involves improper initialization of sensitive information. In this case, it relates to uninitialized kernel memory that could be disclosed by a malicious application.

How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability?

Exploiting this vulnerability requires a malicious application to be running on the affected device. The vulnerability is not triggered by simply visiting a website or through external network access; it requires a local application to interact with the system in a specific way.

Who needs to be concerned about this internal threat?

Anyone using affected Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches, should be aware. While the vulnerability is classified as internal, meaning it's not reachable from the internet, a malicious app on the device could potentially disclose sensitive kernel memory.

What is the first step to address this vulnerability?

The primary step is to ensure all affected Apple devices are updated to the versions that include the fix. Apple has released security updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS to address this memory initialization issue.

References