Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Type Confusion Vulnerability

[ Why it matters ]Priority signals

• Exploited in the wild: on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list since 2021-11-03

[ Description ]Official description

A type confusion issue was addressed with improved state handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 12.5.5, iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4, macOS Big Sur 11.2, Security Update 2021-001 Catalina, Security Update 2021-001 Mojave, Security Update 2021-006 Catalina. A malicious application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of reports that an exploit for this issue exists in the wild.

CISA: Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS contain a type confusion vulnerability in the XNU which may allow a malicious application to execute code with kernel privileges.

[ Fixes ]Fixes and patches

CISA required action (US federal deadline 17 Nov 2021): Apply updates per vendor instructions.

No fix or interim patch is linked from our sources yet. Check the vendor references below and limit exposure of affected systems until a fix is available.

[ References ]References

• support.apple.com/en-us/HT212146Vendor Advisory
• support.apple.com/en-us/HT212147Vendor Advisory
• support.apple.com/en-us/HT212824Vendor Advisory
• support.apple.com/en-us/HT212825Vendor Advisory
• www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogUS Government Resource