CVE-2021-1792
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-1792 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Apple operating systems that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS users running outdated versions. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- watchOS
- tvOS
📦 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote attacker gains full control of affected device, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations using crafted content to execute malicious code.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if systems are patched and network segmentation limits attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Apple has not disclosed specific exploitation details. The vulnerability requires remote attacker interaction but no authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.2, Security Update 2021-001 Catalina, Security Update 2021-001 Mojave, watchOS 7.3, tvOS 14.4, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212146
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update on macOS or Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS. 2. Install available updates. 3. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected devices from untrusted networks and internet access
Application Whitelisting
allRestrict execution of unauthorized applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from internet and untrusted networks
- Implement strict network monitoring and anomaly detection
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check current OS version against affected versions listCheck Version:
macOS: sw_vers -productVersion; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify OS version matches or exceeds patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process crashes
- Memory access violations
- Unusual network connections from system processes
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious inbound connections to affected devices
- Anomalous outbound traffic patterns
SIEM Query:
Process:Name CONTAINS 'kernel' AND EventID:1000 OR EventID:1001 (Windows Event Log equivalent for macOS/iOS monitoring)🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212146
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212147
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212148
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212149
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212146
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212147
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212148
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212149
