CVE-2021-30707
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution by processing a maliciously crafted audio file. It affects Apple devices running macOS, tvOS, watchOS, iOS, and iPadOS before specific versions. Attackers can exploit this to gain control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
📦 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
Full system compromise with attacker gaining root privileges and persistent access to the device.
Likely Case
Malicious audio file leads to remote code execution, potentially installing malware or exfiltrating data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and application sandboxing in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious audio file. No public proof-of-concept has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.4, tvOS 14.6, watchOS 7.5, iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212528
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable automatic audio file processing
allPrevent automatic opening of audio files from untrusted sources.
Use application sandboxing
allEnsure audio processing applications run in sandboxed environments.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict email/web filtering to block malicious audio files.
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious audio file processing.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected versions listed in Apple advisories.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify system version matches or exceeds patched versions: macOS 11.4+, tvOS 14.6+, watchOS 7.5+, iOS 14.6+, iPadOS 14.6+.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual audio file processing activity
- Crash logs from audio-related processes
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of suspicious audio files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
Process execution events where parent process is audio-related and spawns unexpected child processes.🔗 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/HT212528
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212532
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212533
