CVE-2021-1762
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash applications by tricking users into opening a malicious USD (Universal Scene Description) file. It affects Apple devices running outdated iOS, iPadOS, or macOS versions. Successful exploitation could give attackers full control of the affected device.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
Ipados by Apple
Macos by Apple
macOS is Apple's desktop and laptop operating system powering Mac computers used by millions of professionals, developers, creative professionals, and enterprise users worldwide. Built on a Unix foundation with the Darwin kernel and modern Cocoa frameworks, macOS delivers a seamless ecosystem integr...
Learn more about Macos →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with full system compromise, allowing data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) or limited code execution in the context of the vulnerable application.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are fully patched or USD file processing is blocked.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file) but no authentication. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, macOS Big Sur 11.2, Security Update 2021-001 Catalina, Security Update 2021-001 Mojave
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212146
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS or Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update on macOS. 2. Download and install the latest available update. 3. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block USD file extensions
allPrevent processing of USD files at network or endpoint level
User education
allTrain users not to open USD files from untrusted sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized USD file processing
- Use endpoint protection to detect and block malicious USD files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version against affected versions list. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version. On macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS: No command line. macOS: 'sw_vers' in terminal or 'system_profiler SPSoftwareDataType'Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is iOS 14.4+, iPadOS 14.4+, macOS Big Sur 11.2+, or has the specified security updates installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to USD file processing
- Unexpected process creation from USD-related applications
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of USD files from suspicious sources
- Unusual outbound connections after USD file access
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process is USD-related application AND command line contains .usd file extension