CVE-2020-9965 Memory corruption in iOS and iPadOS
An out-of-bounds read allows arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, requiring an upgrade to patched Apple OS versions.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2020-9965?
CVE-2020-9965 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Apple Ipados, published on 8 Dec 2020. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
An out-of-bounds read was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, watchOS 7.0, tvOS 14.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-9965?
It affects 5 products.
Products include Apple Ipados, Apple Iphone Os, Apple Macos, Apple Tvos, Apple Watchos.
How do I fix CVE-2020-9965?
No fix has been published for CVE-2020-9965 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2020-9965 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2020-9965 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Apple Ipados
- CVE-2025-43300 Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24201 Apple Multiple Products WebKit Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24085 Apple Multiple Products Use-After-Free
- CVE-2025-31200 Apple Multiple Products Memory Corruption
- CVE-2025-31201 Apple Multiple Products Arbitrary Read and Write
Sources
Also known as GHSA-c4j5-68fc-gm69.