CVE-2021-30719 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A local user may be able to cause unexpected system termination or read kernel memory. This issue is fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.4, Security Update 2021-003 Catalina by removing the vulnerable code.

Understanding CVE-2021-30719

This CVE involves a vulnerability in macOS that could allow a local user to cause system termination or read kernel memory, impacting versions less than 11.4 and those released before 2021.

What is CVE-2021-30719?

It is a security flaw in macOS that enables a local user to trigger unexpected system termination or access kernel memory, leading to potential security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30719

The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive system memory and could result in system instability or unexpected shutdowns for affected macOS versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30719

This vulnerability was fixed through macOS Big Sur 11.4 and Security Update 2021-003 Catalina by eliminating the code prone to out-of-bounds reads.

Vulnerability Description

The issue resided in macOS versions less than 11.4 and those before 2021, potentially allowing a local user to exploit it for unauthorized memory access and system manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

macOS versions less than 11.4 and systems released prior to 2021 are susceptible to this vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of updating to secure releases.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, a local user could manipulate the system to cause unexpected shutdowns or gain access to sensitive kernel memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2021-30719, immediate steps should be taken to secure vulnerable macOS installations and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their macOS versions to at least 11.4 or implement Security Update 2021-003 Catalina to mitigate the risk of unauthorized system access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating macOS systems, implementing security patches, and following best practices for system administration can help prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apple has released fixes in macOS Big Sur 11.4 and Security Update 2021-003 Catalina to address CVE-2021-30719. Users should promptly apply these patches to safeguard their systems.