Learn about CVE-2021-1855, a logic issue in macOS Big Sur 11.3 that allows malicious websites to trigger unnecessary network connections for favicon retrieval. Find out its impact and mitigation steps.
A logic issue in macOS has been identified and fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.3. This vulnerability could allow a malicious website to trigger unnecessary network connections to fetch its favicon.
Understanding CVE-2021-1855
This section delves into the details of CVE-2021-1855.
What is CVE-2021-1855?
CVE-2021-1855 is a logic issue in macOS that has been resolved with enhanced state management in macOS Big Sur 11.3. The vulnerability enables a malicious website to induce superfluous network connections for fetching its favicon.
The Impact of CVE-2021-1855
The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to an increased network load due to unnecessary connections initiated by a malicious website.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-1855
This section provides technical insights into CVE-2021-1855.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stemmed from a logic issue in macOS, which has been rectified in version 11.3 of macOS Big Sur. It could have allowed malicious websites to trigger additional network connections for favicon retrieval.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected system is macOS with versions lower than 11.3. Users running macOS versions prior to 11.3 are at risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
By exploiting the logic flaw, a malicious website could manipulate network connections to enhance its favicon loading, potentially impacting user privacy and network efficiency.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we cover how to address and prevent CVE-2021-1855.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are strongly advised to update their macOS systems to version 11.3 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability. Being cautious while browsing unknown websites can also reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing safe browsing habits, utilizing ad blockers, and employing network security measures can fortify the overall security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Regularly checking for and applying system updates is crucial to staying protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-1855.