CVE-2020-9819
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Mail contains a memory corruption vulnerability that may allow heap corruption when processing a maliciously crafted mail message.
CISA KEV Advisory
Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Memory Corruption Vulnerability
Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Mail contains a memory corruption vulnerability that may allow heap corruption when processing a maliciously crafted mail message.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This memory corruption vulnerability in Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Mail can lead to heap corruption when processing a maliciously crafted email. Despite a low EPSS score of 0.00196, its inclusion in the KEV catalog confirms active exploitation, making it an urgent concern.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Exploitation can occur remotely by receiving a specially crafted email message.
Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS users should apply the latest security updates to patch their Mail applications. Exercise caution when opening emails from unknown or suspicious senders.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-9819 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2020-9819 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-9819 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1