CVE-2021-30906
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-30906 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows an attacker with local access to gain elevated system privileges. This affects iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS users who haven't updated to patched versions. The vulnerability was addressed through improved security checks in Apple's software.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- watchOS
📦 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 →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
An attacker gains full root/system-level access to the device, enabling complete compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local user or malware gains elevated privileges to bypass security controls, install additional malware, or access protected data.
If Mitigated
With proper patching, the vulnerability is eliminated; with proper access controls, impact is limited to authorized users only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to the device; no public exploit code is known, but privilege escalation vulnerabilities are often targeted.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, macOS Monterey 12.0.1, macOS Big Sur 11.6.1, tvOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212867
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS/watchOS. 2. Go to System Preferences > Software Update on macOS. 3. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates on tvOS. 4. Download and install the latest available update. 5. Restart the device when prompted.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical and remote access to affected devices to trusted users only.
- Implement strict user privilege management and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version against affected versions: iOS/iPadOS < 15.1, macOS < Monterey 12.0.1 or Big Sur 11.6.1, tvOS < 15.1, watchOS < 8.1.Check Version:
iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > Version; macOS: System Preferences > About This Mac; tvOS: Settings > General > About; watchOS: Settings > General > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the operating system version is at or above: iOS/iPadOS 15.1, macOS Monterey 12.0.1 or Big Sur 11.6.1, tvOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events in system logs
- Unauthorized process execution with elevated privileges
- Security framework violation logs
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for events indicating privilege escalation or unauthorized root access on Apple devices.🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212867
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212869
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212872
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212874
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212876
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212871
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212867
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212869
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212872
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212874
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212876
- https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212871
