CVE-2021-30713
📋 TL;DR
This macOS vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass Privacy preferences, potentially accessing protected data without user consent. It affects macOS Big Sur versions before 11.4. Apple confirmed this issue may have been actively exploited in the wild.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
📦 What is this software?
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
Malicious application gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data (camera, microphone, location, contacts, files) without triggering privacy permission prompts, enabling surveillance or data theft.
Likely Case
Malware or compromised applications silently access protected resources that should require user permission, potentially stealing personal data or enabling further system compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper application vetting and user caution, impact is limited to applications that have already been installed, though they could still bypass intended privacy controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Apple confirmed active exploitation. Exploitation requires user to install/run a malicious application, but once executed, it can bypass privacy controls without additional user interaction.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install macOS Big Sur 11.4 update. 3. Restart your Mac when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Restriction
allOnly install applications from trusted sources (App Store or identified developers) and avoid downloading/installing unknown applications.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized applications
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious application behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check macOS version: if running macOS Big Sur and version is less than 11.4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
sw_versVerify Fix Applied:
Verify macOS version is 11.4 or later after applying the update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privacy permission bypass events in system logs
- Applications accessing protected resources without corresponding permission prompts in privacy logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from applications that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
source="macos_system_logs" AND (event="privacy_violation" OR message="*bypass*privacy*")🔗 References
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Sep/40
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212805
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Sep/40
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212529
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212805
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-30713
