External risk intelligence

Apple Operating System Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30900

An out-of-bounds write in Apple operating systems allows malicious applications to gain kernel privileges. This poses a risk to affected organizations by potentially compromising devices and data. Updates are available to address this issue.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Apple Ipados

before 14.8.115.0before 11.6.1

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30900

This vulnerability affects local OS components and requires a malicious application to be executed on the device to be exploited. It is not a network-reachable service or internet-facing interface, making public internet exposure as an attack vector very unlikely.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in certain Apple operating system components. This flaw could allow a malicious application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges on affected systems. This could lead to a significant compromise of the device's integrity and data.

  • Vulnerable Apple operating systems
  • Improper bounds checking
  • Arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability could allow a malicious application to gain elevated privileges on an affected system. The attack involves exploiting an out-of-bounds write issue within the system's graphics processing unit drivers. Successful exploitation could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to a compromise of the system's integrity and data.

  • Exposure condition: Malicious application on the device.
  • Attacker starting point: Local user or application.
  • Trigger and result: Triggering action leads to arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability in Apple's operating systems could allow a malicious application to execute code with kernel privileges. This could lead to the compromise of an organization's devices and data. The vulnerability has been addressed in specific updates to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

  • Attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Malicious application installed.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability, an out-of-bounds write in Apple's operating systems, could permit a malicious application to gain kernel privileges. The issue has been addressed with improved bounds checking in specific software updates. Organizations should prioritize identifying all affected devices and systems. Applying the vendor-provided fixes and verifying their successful implementation is crucial to mitigate potential risks. Ongoing monitoring for related security incidents is also recommended.

  • Identify all affected devices and systems.
  • Isolate or reduce exposure of affected assets.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related security issues.

Frequently asked questions

What Apple operating systems are impacted by CVE-2021-30900?

CVE-2021-30900 affects Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems, which are foundational for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, respectively.

What type of weakness does CVE-2021-30900 represent in Apple's software?

This vulnerability is categorized as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787), stemming from insufficient bounds checking. This deficiency allows data to be written outside of allocated memory, potentially corrupting memory and enabling arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.

How can CVE-2021-30900 be triggered, and what is the scope of its impact?

A malicious application installed on the device can trigger this vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-30900, considering CISA's known exploited vulnerabilities catalog?

CVE-2021-30900 was listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating active exploitation. While the provided context states it requires a malicious application on the device, its inclusion in the KEV catalog suggests a significant threat.

What is the recommended response to the CVE-2021-30900 vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Apple devices and systems, apply the vendor-provided updates (iOS 14.8.1, iPadOS 14.8.1, iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, and macOS Big Sur 11.6.1), and verify successful implementation.

References