CVE-2020-9819 Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline May 3, 2022
What to do
- Install Apple's security update for iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Memory Corruption Vulnerability
- Product
- Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS
- CISA description
- Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS Mail contains a memory corruption vulnerability that may allow heap corruption when processing a maliciously crafted mail message.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-787)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- May 3, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2020-9819 ·
Questions about CVE-2020-9819
Is CVE-2020-9819 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-9819 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2020-9819?
Install Apple's security update for iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2020-9819?
Only if you use Apple iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.