CVE-2021-30807 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple Apple products including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. This vulnerability allows applications to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, posing significant risks to users. Apple has noted that there are reports indicating this issue may have been actively exploited in the wild.
With a CVSS score of 7.8, this vulnerability falls into the high-severity category. The potential for exploitation is significant, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive system functions. Organizations utilizing affected Apple products should prioritize their patching efforts to mitigate any associated risks immediately.
Apple released updates to address this vulnerability in macOS Big Sur 11.5.1, iOS 14.7.1, iPadOS 14.7.1, and watchOS 7.6.1. The urgency for defenders cannot be overstated; organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The exploit status related to this vulnerability indicates that it has been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its critical nature. The KEV entry for this CVE states that organizations must apply updates per vendor instructions as soon as possible.
Given the high impact and potential for exploitation, organizations using affected Apple products should not delay in implementing recommended patches to protect their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description for CVE-2021-30807 states that a memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is specifically linked to the IOMobileFrameBuffer component in Apple's operating systems, allowing applications to execute code with kernel privileges.
The CVSS 3.1 score for this vulnerability is 7.8, with the following breakdown: attack vector is local, attack complexity is low, privileges required are none, and user interaction is required. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all classified as high.
The affected products include macOS versions prior to 11.5.1, iOS versions prior to 14.7.1, iPadOS versions prior to 14.7.1, and watchOS versions prior to 7.6.1. The publication date for this vulnerability was October 19, 2021.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-30807 lies in a memory corruption issue that arises from improper handling of memory. Attackers may leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to significant security breaches.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to the device or require local user access. The attack complexity is low, indicating that exploiting this vulnerability does not require specialized skills or knowledge. No privileges are necessary for exploitation, but user interaction is required, as the user must execute a malicious application.
In terms of impact, the vulnerability presents high risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected devices.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and system control. The blast radius is significant, given the widespread use of affected Apple products across various sectors. This vulnerability can be exploited if not promptly addressed, leading to data breaches and loss of sensitive information.
The urgency assessment based on CVSS indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle due to the potential for immediate exploitation. Given the high EPSS score of 0.2445, organizations should be particularly vigilant in monitoring for any signs of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of iOS prior to 14.7.1, iPadOS prior to 14.7.1, macOS prior to 11.5.1, and watchOS prior to 7.6.1 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the patched versions immediately to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, Apple has released patches for affected products. Organizations should promptly update to macOS Big Sur 11.5.1, iOS 14.7.1, iPadOS 14.7.1, and watchOS 7.6.1. For those unable to apply the patch immediately, additional configuration hardening measures should be implemented as a temporary workaround.
Monitoring for unusual behavior or potential exploit attempts in system logs is also recommended. Organizations can enhance their security posture by conducting regular security assessments and engaging in continuous security testing practices.
penetration testing can help identify vulnerabilities in the environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as unusual access patterns or error messages associated with memory handling. Behavioral anomalies in system performance may also indicate exploitation.
Network signatures associated with known exploits should be integrated into intrusion detection systems to alert security teams of potential threats. Regular audits and system checks can help detect unauthorized changes or installations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-30807 serves as a reminder of the risks associated with memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Security teams should recognize the importance of immediate patching and the need for continuous security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Organizations should adopt a proactive approach, including regular vulnerability management program to stay ahead of potential threats.
Lastly, leveraging tools and services for penetration testing methodology can provide insights into the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
Continuous security testing is also vital in recognizing potential vulnerabilities as they arise.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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