External risk intelligence

Apple Software Vulnerability May Allow Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-30952

Certain Apple software, including Safari and macOS, is affected by an integer overflow vulnerability. This flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by processing maliciously crafted web content. The business risk includes potential data compromise and unauthorized system access.

3Halo Surface Signal

Integer Overflow

Apple Safari

before 15.212.0 to before 12.1before 8.3343510.011.0before 2.34.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-30952

The vulnerability affects web browser engines (WebKit/Safari) and related OS components. While these are frequently used to access internet content, exploitation typically requires a user to interact with maliciously crafted web content, rather than being a directly reachable network service or open management port.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain versions of Apple software and the WebKit browser engine are susceptible to an integer overflow vulnerability. This flaw arises from how the software processes specifically designed web content. If exploited, this could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

  • Web browsers and operating systems
  • Input validation failure
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution. This occurs when input validation fails to properly handle certain integer operations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability by tricking an organization's systems into processing specially designed web content. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges.

  • Malicious web content is exposed.
  • Attacker triggers code execution.
  • Control over systems is gained.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts Apple operating systems and the Safari browser. Exploitation requires a user to interact with malicious web content, which could lead to code execution. The potential for arbitrary code execution and data compromise presents a significant risk to affected organizations.

  • Attackers need moderate skill.
  • Requires user interaction with web content.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution when processing specially crafted web content. Organizations should prioritize addressing this issue to protect systems and data.

  • Identify affected Apple devices and software.
  • Isolate potentially exposed systems.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apple software affected by CVE-2021-30952?

CVE-2021-30952 affects multiple Apple products including Safari, iPadOS, iPhone OS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, as well as the WebKit browser engine. These are commonly used for browsing the internet, running applications, and general device operation.

What is the weakness in CVE-2021-30952 called?

The vulnerability CVE-2021-30952 is classified as an integer overflow or wraparound (CWE-190). This means the software improperly handles numbers, potentially leading to unintended behavior when processing specially crafted web content.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2021-30952?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by presenting the affected software with maliciously crafted web content. Exploitation is not triggered by simply being exposed to the content, but requires user interaction to process this malicious content.

Who should care about this CVE based on its access?

Organizations should care if their users interact with web content on affected Apple devices, as this vulnerability has an 'internal' classification. While not directly reachable over a network, user interaction with malicious web content on these devices can lead to code execution.

What is the first step to respond to CVE-2021-30952?

The first step is to identify all Apple devices and software versions that are susceptible to this vulnerability. After identification, applying vendor-provided updates is the primary way to address the issue.

References