External risk intelligence

Apple Operating System Memory Corruption Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-9907

A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This impacts affected Apple devices by potentially compromising system integrity and data confidentiality. The business risk involves unauthorized control over devices and data due t

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 13.6before 13.4.8

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-9907

This vulnerability affects mobile and TV operating systems at the kernel level. It requires an application to be running locally on the device, making it inaccessible via public internet exposure or remote network access.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption flaw in Apple operating systems could permit an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability stems from a core weakness in how the system handles memory, potentially allowing unauthorized actions at a fundamental level. The impact could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems and data.

  • Vulnerable Apple operating systems.
  • Memory handling weakness.
  • Arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The issue is related to memory corruption and is fixed in specific versions of iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS.

  • An application is already present.
  • Attacker triggers an action.
  • Code execution with kernel privileges occurs.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a memory corruption issue within Apple's operating systems. It could potentially allow a malicious application to gain kernel privileges, enabling arbitrary code execution. The risk is primarily associated with local exploitation on affected devices.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Local application execution.
  • Business risk or urgency: Moderate.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows an application to run code with kernel privileges, potentially impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. Organizations should prioritize identifying and securing affected devices to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and control. Remediation involves updating the operating systems on affected devices to the vendor-provided fix, followed by verification and ongoing monitoring.

  • Find affected mobile and TV devices.
  • Isolate devices until updated.
  • Update, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the memory corruption issue in Apple operating systems?

The vulnerability involves a memory corruption issue within Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. This weakness allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, impacting system integrity and data confidentiality. The issue is addressed by removing the vulnerable code in updated versions of the operating systems.

What is the weakness class and trigger path for CVE-2020-9907?

The weakness is identified as CWE-787, a 'Out-of-bounds Write'. The trigger path involves an application already present on the device performing an action that exploits this memory corruption weakness, leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.

How does an attacker exploit this vulnerability and what is the scope?

An attacker can exploit this by having an application already on the affected device. When the application performs a specific action, it triggers the memory corruption. The scope of the impact allows for arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, meaning the application can perform actions with the highest level of system access.

How relevant is the Halo Surface Signal to this vulnerability, and what is its assessment?

The Halo Surface Signal assesses this vulnerability as 'Very unlikely' to be accessible via public internet exposure or remote network access. This is because the vulnerability affects mobile and TV operating systems at the kernel level and requires an application to be running locally on the device.

What practical steps should organizations take to respond to this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple mobile and TV devices, isolate them until updated, and then apply the vendor-provided operating system updates (iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, or tvOS 13.4.8 and later). Verification of successful updates and ongoing monitoring are also crucial to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.

References