CVE-2020-10014 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-10014, a macOS vulnerability allowing malicious applications to escape sandboxes. Find mitigation steps and update recommendations here.
A parsing issue in the handling of directory paths in macOS was addressed with improved path validation, fixing the vulnerability in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. This issue could allow a malicious application to break out of its sandbox.
Understanding CVE-2020-10014
This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in macOS that could potentially enable a malicious application to escape its sandbox environment.
What is CVE-2020-10014?
The CVE-2020-10014 vulnerability involves a parsing issue in how directory paths are handled in macOS, which was mitigated by enhancing path validation. The vulnerability was resolved in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1.
The Impact of CVE-2020-10014
The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious application to break out of its sandbox, potentially leading to unauthorized access or execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-10014
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2020-10014 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stemmed from a parsing issue in the handling of directory paths within macOS, which could be leveraged by a malicious application to escape its sandbox environment.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: macOS
- Affected Versions: macOS Big Sur (11.0 and below)
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious application to manipulate directory paths in a way that allows it to break out of its restricted sandbox environment.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-10014 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update macOS to version 11.0.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
- Be cautious when downloading and running applications from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update your operating system and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Implement robust security measures such as firewalls and antivirus software to prevent and detect malicious activities.
- Educate users on safe computing practices to minimize the risk of executing malicious code.
- Monitor system logs and behavior for any unusual activities that could indicate a security breach.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that your macOS system is regularly updated with the latest security patches provided by Apple to address known vulnerabilities.