CVE-2020-9989 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2020
The issue was addressed with improved deletion. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. A local user may be able to discover a user’s deleted messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-9989 represents a privacy disclosure issue affecting Apple's operating systems where deleted messages could potentially be recovered by local users. This security gap existed in various Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS before the respective security updates were released. The flaw specifically allowed unauthorized access to previously deleted message content through local system exploitation techniques that bypassed normal deletion mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of message deletion processes within Apple's messaging infrastructure. When users delete messages from their devices, the system should ensure complete removal of message data from storage media and memory structures. However, the vulnerability indicates that residual data remained accessible through local file system operations or memory inspection techniques, allowing determined attackers to recover deleted content. This type of flaw typically relates to improper memory management or insufficient data sanitization during the deletion process, which can be categorized under CWE-225, which deals with weaknesses in the deletion of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential security breaches involving sensitive communications. Local users with access to affected devices could exploit this weakness to recover deleted personal messages, potentially including confidential business communications, private conversations, or other sensitive information. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on Apple's messaging services for secure communication, as it undermines the expected privacy guarantees of message deletion functionality. The exposure could lead to unauthorized access to personal data, compromise of communications privacy, and potential misuse of recovered information in social engineering attacks or other malicious activities.
Apple addressed this vulnerability through comprehensive system updates released as part of macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0, and iPadOS 14.0. These updates implemented improved deletion mechanisms that ensure complete removal of deleted message data from system storage and memory structures. The mitigation strategy involves enhanced data sanitization procedures during message deletion operations, ensuring that all traces of deleted content are properly erased from the device's storage subsystem. Organizations and users should immediately apply these security updates to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix demonstrates Apple's commitment to addressing privacy concerns through improved system design and implementation practices that align with industry standards for secure data handling and deletion processes.