CVE-2020-9859
A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.5…
Browse: All 2020 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 7.8 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-415
- Published
- 2020-06-05
- Last modified
- 2026-06-17
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update, tvOS 13.4.6, watchOS 6.2.6. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Affected products
- apple ipados
- apple iphone os
- apple mac os x
- apple tvos
- apple watchos
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-05-03.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- https://support.apple.com/HT211214
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-9859
FAQ
Is CVE-2020-9859 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-9859 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-05-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-9859?
CVE-2020-9859 has a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
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Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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