CVE-2020-9859
HighExploitedPublic exploitA memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Published Jun 5, 2020 · Updated Oct 23, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-9859 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Ipados (Apple), Iphone OS (Apple), Mac OS X (Apple) and 4 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 0.8% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 13.5.1, Iphone OS 13.5.1, Mac OS X 10.15.5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
0.8%
Higher than 56.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-9859 brief as a PDF
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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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IpadosApple | See advisory | 13.5.1 |
| Iphone OSApple | See advisory | 13.5.1 |
| Mac OS XApple | See advisory | 10.15.5 |
| tvOSApple | >= unspecified | 13.4.6 |
| watchOSApple | >= unspecified | 6.2.6 |
Patched Releases
Ipados
13.5.1
Iphone OS
13.5.1
Mac OS X
10.15.5
tvOS
13.4.6, tvOS 13.4.6
watchOS
6.2.6, watchOS 6.2.6
iOS
iOS 13.5.1 and iPadOS 13.5.1
macOS
macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 5, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Oct 23, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-415 Double Free
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Affected: Ipados (Apple); Iphone OS (Apple); Mac OS X (Apple), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 13.5.1, Iphone OS 13.5.1, Mac OS X 10.15.5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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