CVE-2020-9859
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS contain an unspecified vulnerability that may allow an application to execute code with kernel privileges.
CISA KEV Advisory
Apple Multiple Products Code Execution Vulnerability
Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS contain an unspecified vulnerability that may allow an application to execute code with kernel privileges.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
An unspecified vulnerability in Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS may allow an application to execute code with kernel privileges. This is a high-severity flaw with confirmed exploitation in the wild, posing a significant risk to affected devices.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating confirmed real-world impact.
Apple users should apply all available security updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS immediately. Regularly update your operating systems to protect against kernel-level exploits.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-9859 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-2020-9859 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-2020-9859 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