CVE-2021-1876:Use-after-free vulnerability in Apple macOS that could allow arbitrary code execution when processing malicious web content.

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CVE-2021-1876 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) in Apple macOS systems that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability exists due to improper memory management when processing web content. When a user accesses maliciously crafted web content, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This vulnerability affects macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, and macOS Mojave operating systems.

Overview

This vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in Apple macOS systems. Use-after-free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, which can lead to memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered when processing maliciously crafted web content. An attacker could create a specially crafted webpage that, when visited by a user on an affected system, could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. This could potentially allow the attacker to install programs, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, Apple has released security updates for affected operating systems. Users should update their systems to the following versions:

  • macOS Big Sur 11.3
  • Security Update 2021-002 Catalina
  • Security Update 2021-003 Mojave

To update your macOS system:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen
  2. Select "System Preferences"
  3. Click on "Software Update"
  4. If updates are available, click "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now"
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation

It's recommended to back up your data before performing any system updates.

References

  1. Apple Security Updates - macOS Big Sur 11.3: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212325
  2. Apple Security Updates - Security Update 2021-002 Catalina: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212326
  3. Apple Security Updates - Security Update 2021-003 Mojave: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212327
  4. CWE-416: Use After Free - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
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.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  6. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  7. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  8. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  9. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  10. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  11. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  12. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  13. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  14. Construction
    Construction
  15. Information
    Information
  16. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  17. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  18. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  19. Mining
    Mining
  20. Utilities
    Utilities

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database