CVE-2020-9956
macOS vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

CVE-2020-9956 is a security vulnerability discovered in Apple's FontParser component affecting multiple Apple operating systems including macOS Big Sur 11.1, tvOS 14.0, macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, Security Update 2020-001 Catalina, Security Update 2020-007 Mojave, watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. The vulnerability was discovered by Mickey Jin and Junzhi Lu of Trend Micro Mobile Security Research Team working with Trend Micro's Zero Day Initiative (Apple Support).

Technical details

The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read issue in the FontParser component that was addressed with improved input validation. When processing a maliciously crafted font file, this vulnerability could lead to arbitrary code execution (CVE Mitre).

Impact

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow processing of a maliciously crafted font file to lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected system (Apple Support).

Mitigation and workarounds

Apple has addressed this vulnerability by improving input validation in the FontParser component. The fix is available in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, tvOS 14.0, macOS Big Sur 11.1, Security Update 2020-001 Catalina, Security Update 2020-007 Mojave, watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0 (Apple Support).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

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