Integer Overflow in Apple CoreGraphics (CVE‑2021‑30860) Enables Potential Remote Code Execution via Malicious PDFs
What It Is – Apple disclosed CVE‑2021‑30860, an integer‑overflow flaw in the CoreGraphics PDF parser present in iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS. When a crafted PDF is opened, the overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution.
Exploitability – The vulnerability is publicly known (FORCEDENTRY) and has been demonstrated in proof‑of‑concept code; a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (High) reflects its remote‑code‑execution potential.
Affected Products – Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS (all versions prior to the patches released March 2022).
Why It Matters for Trust & Control Assurance
- Demonstrates the need for a continuous patch‑management process that can produce verifiable evidence of timely remediation.
- Highlights the importance of configuration‑baseline monitoring to detect unpatched devices across a fleet.
- Provides a concrete control‑mapping example: the “Apply security patches within 30 days of release” objective maps to multiple frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF PR.IP‑1, ISO 27001 A.12.6.1).
Recommended Actions
- Verify that all Apple devices are running the March 2022 security update or later.
- Integrate the patch‑status check into your continuous compliance dashboard to capture audit‑ready evidence.
- Monitor endpoint logs for attempts to open PDF files that trigger CoreGraphics crashes.
- Document the remediation workflow and retain proof (e.g., patch‑install logs) for future audits.
Source: CISA KEV – CVE‑2021‑30860