CVE-2021-30774
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems where a malicious application could exploit a logic issue to gain root privileges. It affects iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS devices running versions before the security updates. Users who haven't updated their Apple devices are vulnerable to local privilege escalation attacks.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- macOS
- 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
A malicious application could gain full root access to the device, allowing complete system compromise, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and bypass of all security controls.
Likely Case
Malicious apps from untrusted sources could elevate privileges to perform unauthorized actions, access sensitive data, or install additional malware.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to trusted app sources, though the vulnerability still exists in unpatched systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device. No public exploit code is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 14.7, macOS Big Sur 11.5, watchOS 7.6, tvOS 14.7
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212601
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings/System Preferences. 2. Navigate to Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest available update. 4. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation Sources
allOnly allow installation of apps from trusted sources like the App Store to reduce the attack surface.
For macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Allow apps downloaded from: App Store
For iOS: Settings > General > Device Management > Verify trusted developers
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized app execution
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the current OS version against the patched versions: iOS < 14.7, macOS < 11.5, watchOS < 7.6, tvOS < 14.7Check Version:
iOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: Apple menu > About This Mac; watchOS: Watch app > General > About; tvOS: Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the OS version matches or exceeds the patched versions listed in the fix information📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Processes running with unexpected root privileges
- Installation of unauthorized applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Command and control traffic from elevated processes
SIEM Query:
process:parent_name="*" AND process:integrity_level="System" AND user:name!="SYSTEM" AND user:name!="LOCAL SERVICE" AND user:name!="NETWORK SERVICE"🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212601
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212602
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212604
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212605
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212600
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212601
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212602
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212604
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212605
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212600
