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CVE-2021-30864

8.6 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This macOS vulnerability allows sandboxed applications to escape their security restrictions, potentially accessing system resources they shouldn't. It affects macOS systems prior to Monterey 12.0.1. The issue stems from improper state management that can be exploited to bypass sandbox protections.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • macOS
Versions: Versions prior to macOS Monterey 12.0.1
Operating Systems: macOS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: All macOS systems running vulnerable versions are affected by default. The vulnerability specifically impacts the sandbox security mechanism.

📦 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 →

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

A malicious sandboxed application could gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files, user data, or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious applications from untrusted sources could access user data, install additional malware, or perform unauthorized actions beyond their intended permissions.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper application vetting and security controls, the risk is limited to applications that have already passed through security review processes.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This vulnerability requires local execution of malicious code, not direct internet exploitation.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Risk exists if users install untrusted applications or if malicious code is introduced through other means.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target system. The vulnerability involves logic issues in sandbox state management.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: macOS Monterey 12.0.1

Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212869

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Open System Preferences > Software Update. 2. Install macOS Monterey 12.0.1 update. 3. Restart the system when prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Application Restriction

macOS

Restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources to prevent potential exploitation.

sudo spctl --master-enable
sudo spctl --enable --label "Developer ID"

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict application control policies to only allow trusted, signed applications
  • Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for sandbox escape attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check macOS version: if version is earlier than 12.0.1, the system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

sw_vers

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify macOS version is 12.0.1 or later after applying the update.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual sandbox violation logs
  • Applications attempting to access resources outside their sandbox

Network Indicators:

  • None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability

SIEM Query:

source="macos_sandbox" AND (event="violation" OR event="escape_attempt")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-30864
CVSS v3 Score: 8.6 (HIGH)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N
Published: August 24, 2021
Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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