CVE-2020-29610 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2021
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in watchOS 7.2, macOS Big Sur 11.1, Security Update 2020-001 Catalina, Security Update 2020-007 Mojave, iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3, tvOS 14.3. Processing a maliciously crafted audio file may disclose restricted memory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that affects multiple Apple operating systems including watchOS, macOS, iOS, and tvOS. The issue stems from insufficient input validation during the processing of audio files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted media content can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is particularly concerning due to its potential for information disclosure. According to industry standards, this corresponds to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to unauthorized data access. The flaw demonstrates how multimedia processing components can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking mechanisms are absent or inadequate.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the affected systems attempt to parse audio files that contain malformed data structures. During the parsing process, the system's audio processing libraries fail to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing an attacker to craft audio files that cause the system to read memory locations outside of intended buffer boundaries. This memory access violation can result in the disclosure of sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions, potentially including kernel memory, user credentials, or other confidential data. The attack surface is particularly broad given that audio file processing occurs across multiple device types and platforms, making this a widespread concern for Apple ecosystem users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the Apple security model. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain insights into system memory layouts, potentially aiding in the development of more advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects systems running versions prior to the security updates mentioned in the patch notes, specifically impacting watchOS 7.2, macOS Big Sur 11.1, and various iOS and tvOS versions. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK matrix under the T1059.007 subtechnique for process injection and memory manipulation, though it operates at a lower level in the system architecture.
Apple's response to this vulnerability demonstrates proper vulnerability management practices through timely patch releases across all affected platforms. The security updates include improved input validation mechanisms that prevent the out-of-bounds memory access by implementing proper bounds checking during audio file parsing operations. System administrators and users should prioritize applying these security updates immediately, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious audio files through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or shared media. The remediation process involves updating to the specified versions which contain patched audio processing libraries that properly validate input data before memory operations occur. Organizations should monitor their device fleets to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates, as the vulnerability represents a persistent risk until properly patched across all endpoints.