CVE-2021-30952 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects multiple Apple products including tvOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Safari. This vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution due to an integer overflow caused by insufficient input validation. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through maliciously crafted web content, making it a significant risk for users and organizations alike.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, classified as high severity. This score reflects the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high. The urgency for defenders is critical, as arbitrary code execution can lead to full system compromise.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability was fixed in the updates for tvOS 15.2, macOS Monterey 12.1, Safari 15.2, iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and watchOS 8.3. Failing to update systems could expose them to significant risks.
Currently, there are no public exploits available for this vulnerability, but it has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating its recognized potential for exploitation in the wild.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is characterized as an integer overflow, which has been addressed through improved input validation. The affected products include Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, with a base score of 7.8, indicating a high potential impact.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-30952 lies in integer overflow, which occurs when a calculation exceeds the maximum limit that can be stored in a given data type. This vulnerability has a low attack complexity and does not require privileges, but it does require user interaction, as the malicious content must be processed by the user’s browser.
The attack vector is local, meaning that the attack needs physical or logical access to the device to exploit this vulnerability. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated high, indicating that an attacker could gain significant control over the affected system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential loss of sensitive data and unauthorized access to system controls. The blast radius for this vulnerability is extensive, as it affects multiple products across the Apple ecosystem. Organizations should assess their exposure and implement necessary mitigations quickly.
Given the high CVSS score and inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations must act swiftly to patch affected systems and educate users on the risks associated with opening untrusted content.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include multiple Apple products such as macOS Monterey 12.1, Safari 15.2, iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, and watchOS 8.3, as well as various versions of Debian and Fedora.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations must apply the latest updates provided by Apple for the affected products. For those unable to patch immediately, implementing network controls and monitoring for suspicious activity are recommended. Organizations are advised to review their configurations and ensure that all systems are secured against potential exploitation.
For further guidance on best practices, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual behavior, such as unexpected application crashes or attempts to access sensitive data, can provide indicators of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also look for network signatures associated with malicious web content and any changes in system configurations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-30952 illustrates the ongoing need for robust security practices, including regular updates and employee training regarding safe browsing habits to mitigate risks from malicious web content. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of threat intelligence in understanding the landscape of active vulnerabilities.
For further insights into vulnerability management, organizations can explore resources such as the vulnerability management program best practices and the importance of continuous security assessments, including penetration testing methodology.
In conclusion, staying informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-30952 and implementing necessary security measures can help organizations minimize risks and protect their systems from potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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