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Full vulnerability report · 2021
CVE-2021-30761High confidence

Apple iOS WebKit Memory Corruption Vulnerability

Apple · iOS

8.8HighCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Protect now

CISA confirms exploitation in the wild and lists 2021-11-17 as the remediation due date.

Fix not verified
R
Operational reassessment

Published severity in operational context

Open reassessment dashboard →
Published severityHighOperational priority:Critical, raised one band.upgradedsince 3 Nov 2021

Evidence used

  • CISA confirms exploitation in the wild.
  • EPSS is 10.54% for the current model date.

Compensating controls

  • Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
  • Increase monitoring for the attack path and post-exploitation behaviour described in the report.

Verification

  1. Confirm that the asset runs Apple iOS and falls inside the recorded affected range.
  2. Recheck the vendor advisory before scheduling a change because no verified fixed version is currently retained.
  3. Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
  4. Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Mitigation target: Within 3 daysRemediation target: Within 90 days

This automated reassessment organises public evidence. It does not know asset exposure, business impact or control effectiveness and does not replace CVSS or a human risk decision.

Distribution package intelligence

Release-specific package status

Debian, ubuntu findings are scoped to the named distribution, release and source package. An absent finding does not mean a package is unaffected.

9 package states
Repository candidate not checked

A published vendor fix does not prove that a matching update is enabled and installable on a particular asset. Confirm the local package candidate before scheduling remediation.

Distribution releaseSource packageVendor stateFixed versionEvidence
Debian trixietrixie · sourcewebkit2gtkVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.1-2Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian trixietrixie · sourcewpewebkitVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.3-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian bookwormbookworm · sourcewebkit2gtkVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.1-2Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian bookwormbookworm · sourcewpewebkitVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.3-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian forkyforky · sourcewebkit2gtkVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.1-2Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian forkyforky · sourcewpewebkitVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.3-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcewebkit2gtkVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.1-2Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcewpewebkitVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.2.26.3-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSnoble · standard archiveqtwebkit-opensource-srcUnder evaluationCanonical reports that the package might be affected and still needs evaluation or fixing.Not published in this feedCanonical Ubuntu Security ↗Source updated 5 Oct 2026
Optional official sources

National CERT insights
?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.

Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.

Official European source

ENISA European Vulnerability Database

Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.

1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier

EUVD-2021-17678

CISA KEV mirrored by ENISA

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.5.4. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited..

EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Recorded by ENISA since 3 Nov 2021. Evidence sources: cisa_kev.
ENISA score
8.8 · CVSS 3.1
Advisory evidence
8 linked advisory records
Explicit mitigation evidence

Only statements that explicitly mention a fix, patch, update, workaround or mitigation are shown here.

  • csaf_redhat · RHSA-2020:4451Red Hat Security Advisory: GNOME security, bug fix, and enhancement update
  • csaf_redhat · RHSA-2020:4035Red Hat Security Advisory: webkitgtk4 security, bug fix, and enhancement update
  • csaf_redhat · RHSA-2025:10364Red Hat Security Advisory: webkitgtk4 security update
  • csaf_suse · SUSE-SU-2022:0183-1Security update for webkit2gtk3
  • csaf_suse · SUSE-SU-2022:0142-1Security update for webkit2gtk3
  • csaf_opensuse · openSUSE-SU-2022:0182-1Security update for webkit2gtk3
  • csaf_suse · SUSE-SU-2022:0182-1Security update for webkit2gtk3
  • csaf_suse · SUSE-SU-2022:0182-2Security update for webkit2gtk3
Recommended actionProtect now

CISA confirms exploitation in the wild and lists 2021-11-17 as the remediation due date.

Fix not verified
01

What, why and how

Apple iOS WebKit contains a memory corruption vulnerability that leads to code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability could impact HTML parsers that use WebKit, including but not limited to Apple Safari and non-Apple products which rely on WebKit for HTML processing.

What

Apple iOS WebKit contains a memory corruption vulnerability that leads to code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability could impact HTML parsers that use WebKit, including but not limited to Apple Safari and non-Apple products which rely on WebKit for HTML processing.

Why

A bounds error lets data be written beyond the intended memory region, potentially corrupting control data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.

What

Apple iOS WebKit contains a memory corruption vulnerability that leads to code execution when processing maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability could impact HTML parsers that use WebKit, including but not limited to Apple Safari and non-Apple products which rely on WebKit for HTML processing.

Why

A bounds error lets data be written beyond the intended memory region, potentially corrupting control data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.

02

Exploit reality and attack path

CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.

Observed exploitation
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
Confirmed in the wild

CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 2021-11-03.

Public PoC / exploit material
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
None recorded

No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.

Likely attack path
a network path → Out-of-bounds Write → cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
User interaction
Required interaction required
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
Weakness
?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-787 ↗

CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write. The product writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

CVSS vector
?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.

AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UIRequiredUser interaction: Another user must perform an action for exploitation to succeed.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CHighConfidentiality impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.IHighIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
No specific living-off-the-land technique is confirmed in the structured sources. Monitor normal administration tools for activity inconsistent with the affected service's baseline.
NetworkUnauthenticatedCWE-787CISA KEV
A

Official authority intelligence

Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.

ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2021-17678Known-exploited evidence recorded

A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.5.4. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited..

Official EUVD record ↗
Cyber Security Agency of Singapore · English · CSA-SB-20210915Security Bulletin 15 Sep 2021

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore included this CVE in its official Security Bulletin 15 Sep 2021, published on 15 September 2021. Open the linked bulletin for the product, severity and reference information published in that issue.

Official advisory ↗
CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2021-AVI-462Multiples vulnérabilités dans Apple iOS

De multiples vulnérabilités ont été découvertes dans Apple iOS. Elles permettent à un attaquant de provoquer une exécution de code arbitraire à distance.

Official advisory ↗
JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2021-013343iOS における境界外書き込みに関する脆弱性

iOS には、境界外書き込みに関する脆弱性が存在します。

Official advisory ↗
KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-5323Apple iOS 보안 업데이트 권고

#### Apple iOS 보안 업데이트 권고 2021.06.16 ##### □ 개요 o Apple社는 자사 제품에서 발생하는 취약점을 해결한 보안 업데이트 발표 [1] o 공격자는 취약점을 악용하여 피해를 발생시킬 수 있으므로, 해당 Apple 제품을 사용하는 이용자들은 최신 버전으로 업데이트 권고 ##### □ 설명 [2] o iOS의 ASN.1 디코더에서 메모리 충돌로 인해 발생하는 임의코드실행 취약점(CVE_2021-30737) o iOS의 웹킷에서 메모리 충돌로 인해 발생하는 임의코드실행 취약점(CVE-2021-30761) o iOS의 웹킷에서 Use after free로 인해 발생하는 임의코드실행 취약점(CVE-2021-30762) ##### □ 영향을 받는 버전 및 제품 o 아이폰 5s 및 이후 모델 o 아이폰 6 및 6 Plus o 아이패드 Air, mini 2, mini 3 o 아이팟 touch(6세대) ##### □ 해결 방안 o 아래 참고 사이트의 ‘Apple에서 최신 소프트웨어 업데이트’ 부분을 참고하여 최신버전으로 업데이트 적용 [1] ##### □ 기타 문의사항 o 한국인터넷진흥원 사이버민원센터: 국번없이 118 [참고사이트] [1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222 [2] https://support.apple.com/ko-kr/HT212548 ##### □ 작성 : 침해사고분석단 취약점분석팀

Official advisory ↗
03

Patch and workaround

Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.

Status
?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Fix not verified
Affected
iOS: unspecified < 12.5
Fixed
No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
Action
No verified patch reference is present in the current structured sources. Check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04

Evidence and provenance

Published 8 Sept 2021 · Last source change 21 Oct 2025, 23:25 UTC · CWE-787 · Out-of-bounds Write

CVE recordCVE.org · 5.1
CVSS sourceNIST NVD
EPSS source
?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.
FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2021-17678
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceCVE/CNA references
CWE sourceCISA ADP
NVD statusNVD enriched

Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.

Material change intelligence

What changed after publication

View recent updates ↗
  1. Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
    Before
    unspecified < 12.5 · Fixed: No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
    After
    iOS: unspecified < 12.5 · Fixed: No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
    CNA ↗
Material fields only · duplicate refreshes suppressed · history retained for the configured operational retention period
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.
Free version - for non-commercial use only.CVE-2021-30761 · cve.blacktree.nl