CVE-2021-30786 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A race condition vulnerability has been identified and fixed in iOS 14.7 and macOS Big Sur 11.5. Opening a maliciously crafted PDF file could result in unexpected application termination or code execution.

Understanding CVE-2021-30786

This CVE record addresses a critical security issue in Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems. The vulnerability is related to a race condition that could be exploited through a malicious PDF file.

What is CVE-2021-30786?

CVE-2021-30786 is a race condition vulnerability that has been patched in iOS 14.7 and macOS Big Sur 11.5. When exploited by opening a specially crafted PDF file, it could lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30786

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to potentially gain control over the affected systems by causing application crashes or executing malicious code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30786

The technical details of CVE-2021-30786 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a race condition in the handling of application states. By manipulating the PDF file, attackers can trigger this condition leading to severe consequences.

Affected Systems and Versions

iOS versions prior to 14.7 and macOS versions before 11.5 are susceptible to this vulnerability. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the patched versions to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-30786 involves crafting a PDF file in a specific way to trigger the race condition in the affected operating systems. Once successful, attackers can achieve their malicious goals.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-30786, users and organizations are advised to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update your iOS device to version 14.7 or later.
Upgrade your macOS system to Big Sur 11.5 or above.
Avoid opening PDF files from unknown or untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your operating systems and applications to the latest versions.
Implement strong security measures like firewalls and antivirus programs to prevent attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apple has released patches for iOS and macOS to fix this vulnerability. Ensure that you apply these updates promptly to protect your devices from potential exploitation.