Vulnerability record · CVE-2021-30663 · published 8 September 2021
CVE-2021-30663: Apple WebKit integer overflow allows code execution
Apple · Safari
An integer overflow in Apple's WebKit engine was addressed with improved input validation. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, affecting Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. The flaw is remotely reachable and listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, so it warrants prompt patching.
Description
An integer overflow was addressed with improved input validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 14.5.1 and iPadOS 14.5.1, tvOS 14.6, iOS 12.5.3, Safari 14.1.1, macOS Big Sur 11.3.1. Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Automated analysis
high priorityRemote code execution in widely deployed Apple products with confirmed in-the-wild exploitation per CISA KEV, though user interaction is required.
What it is
An integer overflow in Apple's WebKit engine was addressed with improved input validation. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, affecting Safari, iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. The flaw is remotely reachable and listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, so it warrants prompt patching.
Impact
An attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected browser or web content process, potentially gaining control of the device or user data. The CVSS vector rates high confidentiality, integrity and availability impact.
Attack surface
Reached over the network by serving malicious web content; no privileges are required but user interaction (visiting or rendering the crafted content) is needed per the CVSS vector. No authentication is required.
Exploitation
Listed in CISA KEV with a 2021-11-17 remediation due date, indicating known exploitation in the wild. EPSS 30-day probability is about 3.5 percent (88.5th percentile), and references are vendor advisories plus the KEV entry.
What to do
- Apply the vendor updates: iOS 14.5.1 and iPadOS 14.5.1, tvOS 14.6, iOS 12.5.3, Safari 14.1.1, macOS Big Sur 11.3.1.
- Prioritize patching internet-facing and user-facing Apple devices, especially those used for browsing.
- Enforce automatic updates or a patch management process to confirm all listed products are on fixed versions.
- Where patching is delayed, restrict browsing of untrusted web content and consider content filtering.
- Track KEV remediation deadlines and verify closure for all affected assets.
Detection
- Monitor for exploitation attempts against WebKit via browser or endpoint telemetry, focusing on crashes or anomalous code execution in Safari/WebKit processes.
- Review device inventories for unpatched iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS and Safari versions against the fixed releases.
- Correlate web proxy or DNS logs for delivery of malicious web content to Apple devices.
- Alert on unexpected process creation or memory corruption indicators originating from browser processes.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Exploitation in the wild
CISA added CVE-2021-30663 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 3 November 2021 as "Apple Multiple Products WebKit Integer Overflow Vulnerability". Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal deadline 17 November 2021.
Affected products
5 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
| Link | Tags |
|---|---|
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212335 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212336 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212341 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212532 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212534 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212335 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212336 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212341 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212532 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212534 | Release NotesVendor Advisory |
| https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-30663 | Third Party AdvisoryUS Government Resource |
Track CVE-2021-30663 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2021-30663), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.