Apple iOS, macOS, watchOS Sandbox Escape via CoreGraphics Deserialization Vulnerability (CVE-2021-31010)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTApple iOS before 14.8, iOS before 12.5.5, macOS Big Sur before 11.6, macOS Catalina (prior to Security Update 2021-005), and watchOS before 7.6.2
A sandboxed process or local attacker can bypass sandbox restrictions, escalate privileges, and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources
Immediately apply the official security updates provided by Apple (iOS 14.8, macOS 11.6, etc.)
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Apply the official security updates immediately. For enterprise macOS fleets managed via terminal or MDM, execute the following command to force-install available updates:
# Force check and install all pending macOS security updates
sudo softwareupdate --install --all --restart2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict the execution of untrusted applications and enforce strict Gatekeeper policies to prevent unauthorized code execution.
# Enforce Gatekeeper to prevent execution of unsigned or unverified applications
sudo spctl --master-enable3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Use the following script to audit the current macOS version and identify if the system is running a vulnerable software level.
# Check current macOS version and flag vulnerability status
current_ver=$(sw_vers -productVersion)
echo 'Detected macOS Version:' $current_ver
# Simple version check for Big Sur (11.x) systems
if [[ '$current_ver' < '11.6' ]]; then
echo '[ALERT] System is vulnerable to CVE-2021-31010. Update required.'
else
echo '[OK] System is running a patched or newer version.'
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2021-31010) is an insecure deserialization issue (CWE-502) within Apple's CoreGraphics framework and system libraries. The root cause lies in the lack of robust input validation when deserializing untrusted data structures passed between processes. This allows an attacker to manipulate serialized objects to alter the execution flow of privileged system services.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker operating within a restricted sandbox environment (e.g., a compromised application or a malicious app) crafts a malicious serialized payload and transmits it to a higher-privileged system daemon. Upon receiving the payload, the daemon deserializes the object without proper validation, leading to arbitrary code execution or state manipulation within the context of the privileged process. This effectively allows the attacker to escape the sandbox boundaries. Apple has acknowledged reports that this vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
A sandbox escape vulnerability poses a severe threat to enterprise endpoints. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected device, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, exfiltrate sensitive corporate data, and establish persistent access. Given its inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog, this flaw is highly likely to be targeted by sophisticated threat actors.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
A deserialization issue was addressed through improved validation. This issue is fixed in Security Update 2021-005 Catalina, iOS 12.5.5, iOS 14.8 and iPadOS 14.8, macOS Big Sur 11.6, watchOS 7.6.2. A sandboxed process may be able to circumvent sandbox restrictions. Apple was aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited at the time of release..
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2021-31010)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2021-31010 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2021-31010 is rated CVSS 7.5 (HIGH) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 3.7%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2021-31010?
Primary impacted vendors include apple across ios, ipados, macos, watchos. Scope summary: iOS devices prior to 14.8, iOS devices prior to 12.5.5, macOS Big Sur prior to 11.6, macOS Catalina prior to Security Update 2021-005, and watchOS prior to 7.6.2
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2021-31010 before patching?
[Mitigation] Immediately apply the official security updates provided by Apple (iOS 14.8, macOS 11.6, etc.) Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2021-31010
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