How severe is CVE-2020-9971?

CVE-2020-9971 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-9971 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-9971?

CVE-2020-9971 primarily affects Apple Ipados. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-9971?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2020-9971 published?

CVE-2020-9971 was published on 2021-04-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-9971

CVE-2020-9971 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Ipados with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (62nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Apple Ipados
Published: 2021-04-02
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in watchOS 7.0, tvOS 14.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0, macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-9971?: A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in watchOS 7.0, tvOS 14.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0, macOS Big Sur 11.0.1. A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges.
How severe is CVE-2020-9971?: CVE-2020-9971 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-9971 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (62nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-9971?: CVE-2020-9971 primarily affects Apple Ipados. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-9971?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-9971 published?: CVE-2020-9971 was published on 2021-04-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipados:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:tvos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:watchos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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