CVE-2020-27941

Kernel code execution via improper validation

Published Apr 2, 2021 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Improper validation in AppleGraphicsControl in macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The component accepts application-controlled input without adequate validation, but Apple has not disclosed the affected operation or input format. A local application must reach the component on Mojave 10.14.6, Catalina 10.15.7, or Big Sur 11.0.1; success runs code in the kernel security context.

CVSS severityUnavailable
Unscored
EPSS probability1.13%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Improper validation in AppleGraphicsControl in macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The component accepts application-controlled input without adequate validation, but Apple has not disclosed the affected operation or input format. A local application must reach the component on Mojave 10.14.6, Catalina 10.15.7, or Big Sur 11.0.1; success runs code in the kernel security context.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-27941
Published
Apr 2, 2021
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Apple
Product
macOS
Classifications
T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
Unavailable

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 <11.1

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesUnavailable in this record.

What is affected?

Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.1

Published CVSS scores

No CVSS assessment is available in this record.

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.

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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
PrivilegesUnavailable
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

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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