CVE-2021-31010 Apple iOS, macOS, watchOS Sandbox Bypass
A deserialization flaw allows sandboxed processes to bypass restrictions, potentially leading to privilege escalation or code execution on Apple devices.
- Exploited in the wild
- Since 25 Aug 2022
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2021-31010?
CVE-2021-31010 is a high-severity unsafe deserialization vulnerability in Apple Ipados, published on 24 Aug 2021. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
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..
Weakness: CWE-502
Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-31010?
It affects 5 products.
Products include Apple Ipados, Apple Iphone Os, Apple Mac Os X, Apple Macos, Apple Watchos.
How do I fix CVE-2021-31010?
No fix has been published for CVE-2021-31010 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 15 Sep 2022.
Upgrade, and only deserialise data from trusted sources or with an allow-list of types. More about Unsafe deserialization.
Is CVE-2021-31010 being exploited?
Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2021-31010 in the wild since at least 25 Aug 2022.
Other vulnerabilities in Apple Ipados
- CVE-2025-43300 Apple iOS, iPadOS, and macOS Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24201 Apple Multiple Products WebKit Out-of-Bounds Write
- CVE-2025-24085 Apple Multiple Products Use-After-Free
- CVE-2025-31200 Apple Multiple Products Memory Corruption
- CVE-2025-31201 Apple Multiple Products Arbitrary Read and Write