CVE-2020-9790 : What You Need to Know

An out-of-bounds write issue in Apple products has been addressed with improved bounds checking, affecting various Apple platforms.

Understanding CVE-2020-9790

What is CVE-2020-9790?

CVE-2020-9790 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple products that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing a maliciously crafted image.

The Impact of CVE-2020-9790

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-9790

Vulnerability Description

The issue involves an out-of-bounds write problem that has been mitigated with enhanced bounds checking mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Apple products and versions are impacted:

iOS: Less than iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5
macOS: Less than macOS Catalina 10.15.5
tvOS: Less than tvOS 13.4.5
watchOS: Less than watchOS 6.2.5
iTunes for Windows: Less than iTunes 12.10.7 for Windows
iCloud for Windows: Less than iCloud for Windows 11.2
iCloud for Windows (Legacy): Less than iCloud for Windows 7.19

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through the processing of specially crafted images, triggering the out-of-bounds write issue and potentially enabling the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Apple products to the specified fixed versions to prevent exploitation.
Avoid opening or processing images from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software and operating systems to the latest versions.
Implement security best practices, such as using reputable antivirus software and practicing safe browsing habits.

Patching and Updates

Apply the necessary patches and updates provided by Apple to address the CVE-2020-9790 vulnerability and enhance the security of the affected systems.