CVE-2020-9981

Name: CVE-2020-9981
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-12-08T20:15:17.793+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 1.35%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-9981 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0, iTunes for Windows 12.10.9, iCloud for Windows 11.5, tvOS 14.0, macOS Catalina 10.15.7, Security Update 2020-005 High Sierra, Security Update 2020-005 Mojave. EPSS estimates a 1.35% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management. This issue is fixed in watchOS 7.0, iOS 14.0 and iPadOS 14.0, iTunes for Windows 12.10.9, iCloud for Windows 11.5, tvOS 14.0, macOS Catalina 10.15.7, Security Update 2020-005 High Sierra, Security Update 2020-005 Mojave. Processing a maliciously crafted file may lead to arbitrary code execution.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.35%

68.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apple	Icloud	< 11.5
Apple	Itunes	< 12.10.9
Apple	Ipados	< 14.0
Apple	Iphone Os	< 14.0
Apple	Mac Os X	< 10.15.7
Apple	Tvos	< 14.0
Apple	Watchos	< 7.0

References

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211844Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211850Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211935Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211952Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211843Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211844Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211849Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211850Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211935Vendor Advisory
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211952Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 8, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-9981?

How severe is CVE-2020-9981?

CVE-2020-9981 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.35% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-9981?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-9981?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST