CVE-2021-1788 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-1788, a use after free vulnerability in Apple's iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Safari. Learn about the affected systems and versions, exploitation risk, and mitigation steps.
A use after free issue was addressed in this CVE with improved memory management in Apple products. This issue could lead to arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content.
Understanding CVE-2021-1788
This section dives into what CVE-2021-1788 is and its impact on affected systems.
What is CVE-2021-1788?
CVE-2021-1788 is a use after free vulnerability fixed in various Apple products, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Safari. It could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating web content.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1788
The vulnerability could be exploited by processing specially crafted web content, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution on the affected devices.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1788
In this section, we explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a use after free issue that was mitigated with improved memory management to prevent arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
Devices running iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Safari versions less than 14.4, 11.2, 7.3, or 14.0 are affected by CVE-2021-1788.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking users into accessing specially crafted web content, triggering the use after free issue.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we cover immediate steps to take and long-term security practices, along with patching and updates.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update their Apple devices to the patched versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation through malicious web content.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintaining regular software updates, being cautious with web content, and adopting good security practices can help prevent such vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Apple released fixes for CVE-2021-1788 in macOS Big Sur 11.2, Security Update 2021-001 for Catalina and Mojave, tvOS 14.4, watchOS 7.3, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and Safari 14.0.3, addressing the use after free issue and enhancing memory management.