CVE-2020-27907

Kernel code execution via unlocked graphics object

Published Apr 2, 2021 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Memory corruption in the Intel Graphics Driver in Apple macOS before 11.1 allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. The process_token_GenerateMipmaps path performs operations on a graphics object without proper locking, allowing its state to change between validation and use. Execution requires a local application and user interaction; successful exploitation elevates application code into kernel context.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.98%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Memory corruption in the Intel Graphics Driver in Apple macOS before 11.1 allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. The process_token_GenerateMipmaps path performs operations on a graphics object without proper locking, allowing its state to change between validation and use. Execution requires a local application and user interaction; successful exploitation elevates application code into kernel context.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-27907
Published
Apr 2, 2021
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Apple
Product
macOS
Classifications
CWE-787, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 2, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=unspecified <11.0
  2. Affected versionversion=unspecified <11.1

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.0; version=unspecified <11.1

Published CVSS scores

7.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
9.3NIST NVDAV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-787Out-of-bounds Write
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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