CVE-2021-30925
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows malicious applications to bypass privacy preferences on Apple devices, potentially accessing sensitive user data without proper authorization. It affects users of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS who have not updated to patched versions. The issue stems from incorrect permissions logic that could be exploited by installed applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- iOS
- iPadOS
- macOS
- 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...
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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious app gains unauthorized access to sensitive user data including location, contacts, photos, microphone, camera, or other protected resources, leading to privacy violations and potential data theft.
Likely Case
Malicious apps in app stores or sideloaded apps bypass privacy prompts and access limited sensitive data, though Apple's app review process reduces widespread exploitation.
If Mitigated
With proper app vetting and user caution about app permissions, impact is limited to isolated incidents with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to install a malicious application. No public exploit code has been disclosed, but the vulnerability is serious enough that attackers may develop private exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Big Sur 11.6, watchOS 8
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212804
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Settings app. 2. Go to General > Software Update. 3. Download and install the latest update. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict App Installation
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like official App Store and avoid sideloading unknown applications.
Review App Permissions
allRegularly review and revoke unnecessary app permissions in device settings.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) to control app installation and permissions
- Educate users about risks of installing untrusted applications and review app permission requests carefully
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > General > About > Software Version. If version is earlier than iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 11.6, or watchOS 8, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > General > About > Software Version (iOS/iPadOS), Apple menu > About This Mac (macOS), Watch app > General > About (watchOS)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify device is running iOS 15 or later, iPadOS 15 or later, macOS Big Sur 11.6 or later, or watchOS 8 or later.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual app permission requests in system logs
- Apps accessing protected resources without proper user consent logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual data exfiltration from apps that shouldn't have network access
SIEM Query:
Search for app permission bypass events or unusual resource access patterns in mobile device management logs