Kernel code execution via IOAccelerator memory corruption
Published Feb 27, 2020 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Memory corruption in Apple IOAcceleratorFamily on iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. Apple has not disclosed the exact memory operation or application-controlled input that causes corruption in the graphics accelerator kernel component. Affected releases precede iOS and tvOS 13.3.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.3, and watchOS 6.1.2; exploitation requires local application execution and user interaction.
Summary
What happened
Memory corruption in Apple IOAcceleratorFamily on iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS allows local users to execute code with kernel privileges. Apple has not disclosed the exact memory operation or application-controlled input that causes corruption in the graphics accelerator kernel component. Affected releases precede iOS and tvOS 13.3.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.3, and watchOS 6.1.2; exploitation requires local application execution and user interaction.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2020-3837
- Published
- Feb 27, 2020
- Updated
- Oct 21, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 27, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Oct 21, 2025Record 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.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <iOS 13.3.1 and iPadOS 13.3.1
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
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.
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Reported exploitation
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities listingknown exploited catalog
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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