CVE-2020-10013 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2020
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in tvOS 14.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical logic flaw in Apple's operating system that stems from inadequate state management within the kernel execution environment. The issue affects tvOS 14.0, iOS 14.0, and iPadOS 14.0, indicating a fundamental weakness in how these platforms handle application execution contexts and privilege boundaries. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-252, which deals with unchecked return values, and specifically relates to improper handling of kernel state transitions that could allow malicious applications to escalate their privileges beyond normal application boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, which represents a severe escalation of privilege vulnerability. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the system fails to properly validate or manage the state transitions between user-space applications and kernel-space operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass normal security controls and gain direct access to system resources, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, where the most critical system functions reside and where any compromise can lead to complete system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with unprecedented access to system resources and data. This type of kernel-level exploit can be leveraged to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple Apple platforms including mobile devices, tablets, and television operating systems, making it a significant threat vector across the entire Apple ecosystem. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to establish persistence and maintain access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate system updates to the patched versions of iOS 14.0, tvOS 14.0, and iPadOS 14.0, as these releases contain the necessary state management improvements to address the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as application whitelisting, monitoring for unusual kernel activity, and regular security assessments of mobile device environments. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper state validation mechanisms and ensuring that kernel transitions are properly validated before privilege escalation occurs. Security teams should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce automatic updates and monitor for potential exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis of system calls and kernel access patterns.