CVE-2021-30900:Out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Apple iOS and iPadOS allowing kernel privilege escalation

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CVE-2021-30900 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting Apple iOS and iPadOS. This security flaw allows malicious applications to potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking in the operating system kernel. When exploited, this could enable a complete system compromise, giving attackers the highest level of access to the device.

Overview

This vulnerability (CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write) affects multiple Apple operating systems including iOS and iPadOS. The issue occurs when the software writes data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer, which can corrupt data, crash the program, or lead to code execution. In this case, a malicious application could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the affected device. This represents a critical security risk as kernel-level access allows an attacker to bypass security controls, access sensitive information, install persistent malware, and potentially compromise the entire device.

Remediation

Users should immediately update their devices to the patched versions that address this vulnerability:

  • For devices running iOS 14 or iPadOS 14: Update to iOS 14.8.1 or iPadOS 14.8.1 or later
  • For devices running iOS 15 or iPadOS 15: Update to iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1 or later

To update your device:

  1. Connect to a power source and a Wi-Fi network
  2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
  3. Tap "Download and Install" if an update is available
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation

As a general security practice, only install applications from trusted sources such as the official App Store and keep all software updated to the latest versions.

References

  1. Apple Security Updates for iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212867
  2. Apple Security Updates for iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212868
  3. Additional Apple Security Information: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212872
  4. CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/787.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. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  6. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  7. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  8. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  9. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  10. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  11. Construction
    Construction
  12. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  15. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  18. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  19. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  20. Utilities
    Utilities

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database