CVE-2020-9796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-9796, a race condition vulnerability in macOS Catalina 10.15.5 that allows arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A race condition in macOS Catalina 10.15.5 allows an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Understanding CVE-2020-9796
This CVE addresses a vulnerability in macOS Catalina 10.15.5 that could lead to arbitrary code execution.
What is CVE-2020-9796?
A race condition was fixed in macOS Catalina 10.15.5, preventing an application from executing arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2020-9796
The vulnerability could allow malicious applications to gain kernel privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and control.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-9796
This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
A race condition was resolved in macOS Catalina 10.15.5, enhancing state handling to prevent arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: macOS
- Vendor: Apple
- Affected Version: macOS Catalina 10.15.5
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with elevated kernel privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your system from CVE-2020-9796 with the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update macOS to version 10.15.5 to patch the vulnerability.
- Avoid downloading and running untrusted applications.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update your operating system and applications to the latest versions.
- Implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to your system.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to safeguard your system against known vulnerabilities.