External risk intelligence

Apple WebKit Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30661

A vulnerability in Apple's WebKit may allow for arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content. This could affect organizations using impacted Apple devices, leading to unauthorized access or system control. Apple has stated this issue may have been actively exploited.

5Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Apple Safari

before 14.1before 14.5before 12.5.314.0 to before 14.511.0 to before 11.3before 7.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30661

The vulnerability affects WebKit, which is the core engine for web browsers and web-content rendering across all Apple operating systems. As these components are designed specifically to process untrusted web content from the public internet during normal usage, they are inherently and continuously exposed to external network traffic.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists in Apple's WebKit, which is used by Safari and other applications to process web content. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by having an organization's systems process specially crafted web content. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data or system control.

  • Vulnerable: Apple WebKit
  • Weakness: Memory management flaw
  • Impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution through the processing of specially crafted web content. This could impact organizations utilizing affected Apple software, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control of systems. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in data compromise or disruption of services.

  • Exposure via web content.
  • Attacker provides malicious web content.
  • Triggering results in code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its potential for arbitrary code execution through crafted web content. Apple has indicated that this issue may have been actively exploited. Organizations utilizing affected Apple software should consider this a high-priority concern, as exploitation could lead to severe compromise of systems and data.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Any attacker.
  • Required access or conditions: User visits malicious website.
  • Business risk or urgency: High urgency; actively exploited.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization can take steps to mitigate risks associated with a recently identified vulnerability in Apple products. This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through the processing of malicious web content. Apple has released updates to address this issue, and reports indicate it may have been actively exploited.

  • Identify affected Apple devices and software.
  • Reduce exposure by limiting access to affected systems.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify their installation, and monitor for related incidents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the vulnerability in Apple's WebKit and what weakness does it exploit?

The vulnerability is a use-after-free issue within Apple's WebKit, which is a memory management flaw. This weakness can be exploited by processing maliciously crafted web content.

How can this WebKit vulnerability be triggered, and what is the scope of its potential impact?

The vulnerability is triggered when systems process specially crafted web content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This means an attacker could gain control of a user's system by luring them to a malicious website.

Which Apple products and software versions are affected by this WebKit vulnerability?

This vulnerability affects Safari versions prior to 14.1, iOS versions prior to 12.5.3 and 14.5, iPadOS versions prior to 14.5, macOS Big Sur versions prior to 11.3, tvOS versions prior to 14.5, and watchOS versions prior to 7.4.

What is the assessed relevance of this Apple WebKit vulnerability, and has it been actively exploited?

This vulnerability is considered very likely to be exploited because it affects WebKit, the core engine for web browsers and content rendering across Apple operating systems, making it continuously exposed to external network traffic. Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited.

What practical steps should organizations take to respond to this Apple WebKit vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple devices and software, limit access to these systems where possible, and promptly apply vendor-supplied updates. Verifying the installation of these updates and monitoring for any related security incidents are also crucial response actions.

References