Description Preview
CVE-2021-1740 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in multiple Apple operating systems that could allow a local user to modify protected parts of the file system. The issue stems from improper validation of directory paths, which could potentially be exploited to access or modify files outside of the intended directory structure. This vulnerability affects macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Overview
This vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue (CWE-22), where improper validation of directory paths could allow attackers to access files and directories stored outside the intended location. In this specific case, a local attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to modify protected parts of the Apple file system that should normally be restricted. This could lead to privilege escalation, data tampering, or other security compromises. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple operating systems including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, demonstrating the shared codebase across Apple's ecosystem.
Remediation
Users should update their Apple devices to the following versions which contain fixes for this vulnerability:
- macOS Catalina: Install Security Update 2021-002
- macOS Big Sur: Update to version 11.3
- iOS and iPadOS: Update to version 14.5
- watchOS: Update to version 7.4
- tvOS: Update to version 14.5
To update your devices:
- For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Software Update
- For iOS/iPadOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- For watchOS: Use the Watch app on your paired iPhone
- For tvOS: Go to Settings > System > Software Updates
References
- Apple Security Updates for macOS Big Sur: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212317
- Apple Security Updates for iOS and iPadOS: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212323
- Apple Security Updates for watchOS: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212324
- Apple Security Updates for tvOS: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212325
- Apple Security Updates for macOS Catalina: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212326
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- ConstructionConstruction
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
