How severe is CVE-2020-9972?

CVE-2020-9972 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-2020-9972 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-9972?

CVE-2020-9972 primarily affects Apple Ipad Os. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-9972?

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-2020-9972 published?

CVE-2020-9972 was published on 2020-12-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-9972

CVE-2020-9972 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Ipad Os 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-120.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-120
Affected product: Apple Ipad Os
Published: 2020-12-08
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. Processing a maliciously crafted USD file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-9972?: A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0. Processing a maliciously crafted USD file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.
How severe is CVE-2020-9972?: CVE-2020-9972 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-2020-9972 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-9972?: CVE-2020-9972 primarily affects Apple Ipad Os. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-9972?: 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-2020-9972 published?: CVE-2020-9972 was published on 2020-12-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:ipad_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:iphone_os:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:macos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:tvos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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