Apple watchOS up to 8.1.1 Kernel use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.5$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Apple watchOS up to 8.1.1. Impacted is an unknown function of the component Kernel. Executing a manipulation can lead to use after free. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2021-30980. The attack is restricted to local execution. No exploit exists. You should upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Apple watchOS up to 8.1.1 (Smartwatch Operating System). It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects some unknown functionality of the component Kernel. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The weakness was disclosed 12/13/2021 by Xinru Chi as HT212975 as confirmed advisory (Website). The advisory is shared for download at support.apple.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2021-30980. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The advisory points out:

An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

Upgrading to version 8.3 eliminates this vulnerability. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability. The advisory contains the following remark:

A use after free issue was addressed with improved memory management.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2026-0631). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

  • Apple macOS

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.8
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.5

VulDB Base Score: 7.8
VulDB Temp Score: 7.5
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Use after free
CWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

Reaction Time: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍

Upgrade: watchOS 8.3

Timelineinfo

04/13/2021 🔍
12/13/2021 +244 days 🔍
12/13/2021 +0 days 🔍
12/17/2021 +4 days 🔍
03/08/2026 +1542 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: apple.com

Advisory: HT212975
Researcher: Xinru Chi
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2021-30980 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2021-30980
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-188512
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2026-0631 - Apple macOS: Mehrere Schwachstellen

Entryinfo

Created: 12/17/2021 16:00
Updated: 03/08/2026 11:53
Changes: 12/17/2021 16:00 (5), 12/17/2021 16:01 (14), 12/17/2021 16:04 (27), 12/22/2021 21:36 (1), 03/08/2026 11:53 (21)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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