Apple Multiple Products Integer Overflow (CVE‑2021‑30952) Enables Arbitrary Code Execution via Malicious Web Content
What It Is – An integer overflow/wraparound flaw in the web‑content processing path of Apple tvOS, macOS, Safari, iPadOS and watchOS. When a specially crafted web page is rendered, the overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary native code on the device.
Exploitability – Publicly disclosed; proof‑of‑concept code exists. Apple has issued security updates for all affected versions. CVSS v3.1 base score ≈ 8.8 (High).
Affected Products – Apple tvOS, macOS, Safari, iPadOS, watchOS (all versions prior to the patches released in 2022).
Why It Matters for Trust & Control Assurance
- Demonstrates the need for continuous patch‑management monitoring – evidence that devices are running vendor‑approved versions is a core control for many frameworks.
- Highlights the importance of secure web‑content handling policies (e.g., restricting untrusted scripts) as a control that reduces exposure to remote code execution.
- Provides a concrete audit artifact: the patch‑install timestamp that can be collected and stored in a Trust Center to prove timely remediation to auditors and enterprise buyers.
Recommended Actions
- Verify that all Apple devices are running the latest security updates released after 2022‑01‑XX.
- Enable automatic updates on macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and tvOS where possible.
- Inventory all endpoints, tag OS version, and capture patch‑install logs as evidence of control compliance.
- Deploy web‑content filtering or Content Security Policy (CSP) rules to limit execution of untrusted scripts.
- Incorporate the patch‑status check into your continuous compliance monitoring platform.
Source: CISA KEV – CVE‑2021‑30952