External risk intelligence

Apple iOS WebKit Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30762

A vulnerability in iPhone operating system's web content handling could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via malicious web content. This impacts organizations by potentially leading to unauthorized code execution on affected systems. Apple is aware this issue may have been actively exploited.

3Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Apple Iphone Os

before 12.5.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30762

The vulnerability involves processing web content within a client-side operating system environment. While it requires the user to access malicious content, such content is commonly encountered via the public internet during normal web browsing activities. It is not an internet-facing service or appliance by design, but remains reachable through standard web interaction.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within the iPhone operating system's handling of web content. This flaw allows for the execution of arbitrary code when processing specifically designed web materials. Such an outcome could potentially affect organizations and their users by enabling unauthorized code execution.

  • Vulnerable component: iPhone operating system web content processing
  • Core weakness: Use after free memory management error
  • Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability involves the processing of specially crafted web content, which could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. This could impact organizations by potentially leading to unauthorized access or control of affected systems. The attack relies on a use-after-free issue, which is a memory management vulnerability.

  • Exposure condition: Malicious web content.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated.
  • Trigger and result: User access leads to code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow for the execution of arbitrary code by processing specially crafted web content. This could lead to unauthorized actions on affected systems, potentially impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability. The potential for active exploitation suggests a significant risk to organizations.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with malicious web content
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should address this vulnerability to prevent potential arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability allows attackers to compromise affected systems by presenting maliciously crafted web content. Apple is aware that this issue may have been actively exploited.

  • Identify all affected Apple devices.
  • Isolate any identified devices from the network.
  • Apply vendor updates to all devices.

Frequently asked questions

What component in the iPhone operating system processes web content, and what type of vulnerability is present?

The iPhone operating system component responsible for handling web content is involved in displaying web pages and other web-based materials. This component is affected by a 'use-after-free' memory management vulnerability, which can lead to arbitrary code execution when processing specially crafted web content.

How does the 'use-after-free' weakness in CVE-2021-30762 enable code execution?

A 'use-after-free' weakness is a memory management error. In CVE-2021-30762, this flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by enticing a user to process maliciously crafted web content, potentially granting the attacker unauthorized control.

What is the trigger path and scope for the iPhone OS web content vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered when a user processes specially crafted web content. The scope is not expanded beyond the user's immediate interaction, as the attacker relies on the user accessing malicious material. This means the attacker does not gain access to systems beyond what the user's interaction allows.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-30762 given its active exploitation report and Halo's assessment?

Apple has stated they are aware of reports that CVE-2021-30762 may have been actively exploited. Halo classifies this as a 'Possible' threat, considering that while user interaction with malicious content is required, such content is commonly encountered during regular web browsing.

What steps should an organization take to respond to this web content processing vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple devices, isolate any identified devices from the network, and promptly apply vendor-provided updates to all devices to mitigate the risk of arbitrary code execution.

References