CVE-2021-30677
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-30677 is a sandbox escape vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious applications to break out of their security sandbox and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This affects iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS systems running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient environment sanitization that can be exploited by specially crafted applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- 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 →Tvos by Apple
Watchos by Apple
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A malicious application could escape its sandbox, gain elevated privileges, access sensitive user data, install persistent malware, or compromise the entire operating system.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could bypass security restrictions to access files, system resources, or user data that should be protected by sandboxing.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to sophisticated targeted attacks rather than widespread exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device. No public exploit code has been released.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: tvOS 14.6, iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, Security Update 2021-004 Catalina, Security Update 2021-005 Mojave, macOS Big Sur 11.4, watchOS 7.5
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212528
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS. 2. Install the latest available update. 3. For macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update. 4. Install the security update for your macOS version. 5. Restart the device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allPrevent installation of untrusted applications through device management policies or user restrictions.
Enable App Review Restrictions
allConfigure devices to only allow installation of apps from the official App Store.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application allowlisting through MDM solutions
- Isolate vulnerable devices from sensitive networks and data
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version against the vulnerable versions listed in the affected systems section.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/watchOS: Settings > General > About > Version. macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac > macOS version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the device is running tvOS 14.6+, iOS 14.6+, iPadOS 14.6+, macOS Big Sur 11.4+, Security Update 2021-004 Catalina+, Security Update 2021-005 Mojave+, or watchOS 7.5+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual application behavior logs
- Sandbox violation alerts in system logs
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
Search for process creation events with unexpected parent-child relationships or privilege escalation patterns on Apple devices.🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212528
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212532
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212533
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212600
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212603
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212602
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212528
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212532
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212533
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212600
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212603
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212602
