External risk intelligence

Apple Software Memory Corruption Risk.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30807

A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple operating systems may allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This poses a risk to organizational data and systems, particularly as reports suggest active exploitation may have occurred.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 14.7.1before 11.5.1before 7.6.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30807

This vulnerability affects local OS kernel components in Apple devices. It requires an application to be running on the device to trigger, meaning it is not reachable via the public internet and lacks an exposed network attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A memory corruption vulnerability exists within Apple's operating systems. This flaw could permit an application to execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system privileges. Organizations using affected Apple devices face potential risks to their data and systems if this vulnerability is exploited.

  • Vulnerable Apple operating systems
  • Memory handling flaw
  • Code execution with kernel privileges

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A memory corruption vulnerability in Apple's operating systems could allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This occurs when a malicious application is able to interact with the system's memory handling. The impact could involve an attacker gaining elevated control over the affected device.

  • Application installed on device
  • Attacker triggers memory issue
  • Attacker gains kernel privileges

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its potential to allow an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Reports indicate this issue may have been actively exploited, underscoring the potential for real-world impact. While an active exploit exists, the specific skill level and conditions required for exploitation are not fully detailed. Organizations should consider this a high-priority item for remediation.

  • Attackers could possess advanced skills.
  • An application must be installed and run.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizational systems, potentially allowing unauthorized applications to gain kernel privileges. This could lead to the execution of arbitrary code, impacting data integrity and system security across affected Apple devices. The risk is heightened as there are reports of active exploitation.

  • Identify all affected Apple devices.
  • Isolate or restrict access for vulnerable devices.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify fixes, and monitor systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apple IOMobileFramebuffer component affected by CVE-2021-30807?

The IOMobileFramebuffer is a component within Apple's operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. It handles display framebuffer operations and is crucial for graphical output. This vulnerability allows applications to interact with this component in a way that can lead to memory corruption.

What type of weakness is CVE-2021-30807?

CVE-2021-30807 is classified as a memory corruption vulnerability, specifically a CWE-787, also known as an out-of-bounds write. This type of weakness occurs when software attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory and leading to unpredictable behavior or code execution.

What are the preconditions for exploiting CVE-2021-30807?

To exploit this vulnerability, an application must first be installed on the affected Apple device. The application then triggers the memory corruption issue. The vulnerability is not triggered by visiting a website or through network attacks; it requires a local application to be running on the device.

Is CVE-2021-30807 an internet-facing or internal threat?

This vulnerability is considered an internal threat because it requires an application to be running on the device to be exploited. It does not have an exposed network attack surface and cannot be reached directly via the public internet, making it less likely to be a widespread external threat.

What is the first step to respond to CVE-2021-30807?

The immediate and most crucial step is to update all affected Apple devices to the latest available software versions. For example, updating to iOS 14.7.1 or later, iPadOS 14.7.1 or later, macOS Big Sur 11.5.1 or later, or watchOS 7.6.1 or later will address this vulnerability.

References