CVE-2021-30995
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in Apple operating systems that allows malicious applications to elevate privileges. It affects macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Attackers could exploit this to gain higher privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- macOS
- iOS
- iPadOS
- 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
Full system compromise with root/admin privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and complete control of affected devices.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing malicious apps to bypass sandbox restrictions and access sensitive data or system resources.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if devices are fully patched and running with least privilege principles.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious application to be installed and executed on the target device. Race conditions can be challenging to reliably exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: macOS Big Sur 11.6.2, macOS Monterey 12.1, Security Update 2021-008 Catalina, iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, tvOS 15.2, watchOS 8.3
Vendor Advisory: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212975
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open System Preferences > Software Update on macOS or Settings > General > Software Update on iOS/iPadOS. 2. Download and install the latest security update. 3. Restart the device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Application Whitelisting
allRestrict installation and execution of untrusted applications to prevent malicious apps from exploiting the vulnerability.
User Privilege Reduction
allRun users with standard/non-admin privileges to limit the impact of privilege escalation.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control policies to prevent installation of untrusted software
- Use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the operating system version against the patched versions listed in the fix section.Check Version:
On macOS: sw_vers -productVersion. On iOS/iPadOS: Settings > General > About > VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the device is running one of the patched versions: macOS Big Sur 11.6.2+, macOS Monterey 12.1+, iOS 15.2+, iPadOS 15.2+, tvOS 15.2+, watchOS 8.3+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious application installation or execution
- System integrity protection (SIP) violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Communication with known malicious domains
SIEM Query:
source="apple_system_logs" AND (event="privilege_escalation" OR process="malicious_app")🔗 References
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212975
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212976
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212978
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212979
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212980
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212981
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-360/
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212975
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212976
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212978
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212979
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212980
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212981
- https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-360/
