CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2020-27932Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Apple Multiple Products Type Confusion

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2020-27932 is a high-severity access of resource using incompatible type vulnerability in watchOS from Apple, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 7.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating watchOS to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update watchOS to 7.1 or a later version.
  2. Update iOS and iPadOS to 14.2 or a later version.
  3. Update macOS to 11.0 or 12.4 or 6.2 or 5.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  5. Read the advisory on support.apple.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApplewatchOSbefore 7.17.1
AppleiOS and iPadOSbefore 14.214.2
ApplemacOSbefore 11.0; before 12.4; before 6.2; before 5.3; before 2020; before 10.1511.0, 12.4, 6.2, 5.3, 2020, 10.15
AppleIcloudbefore 11.511.5
AppleItunesbefore 12.1112.11
AppleiPadOSbefore 14.214.2
AppleIphone OSbefore 12.4.9; 14.0 up to, but not including, 14.212.4.9, 14.2
AppleMac OS Xbefore 10.15.710.15.7

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.8HighCISA (ADP)
CVSS 2.09.3HighNVD

Official description

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, watchOS 7.1, iOS 12.4.9, watchOS 6.2.9, Security Update 2020-006 High Sierra, Security Update 2020-006 Mojave, iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2, watchOS 5.3.9, macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update, macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Update. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type

The product allocates or initializes a resource such as a pointer, object, or variable using one type, but it later accesses that resource using a type that is incompatible with the original type.

More Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities (CWE-843)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in watchOS

All watchOS vulnerabilities

Recent Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type vulnerabilities

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