Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2021-31002 is an Apple macOS flaw where a malicious application may execute code with system privileges. Apple says an out-of-bounds read was addressed through improved input validation. Public detail is limited, but affected Macs below the fixed releases should be treated as priority patch candidates.
Executive priority
Prioritize patch verification for macOS fleets because the stated impact is system-privilege code execution. Urgency is lower than a confirmed exploited flaw, but the privilege level makes unmanaged or slow-patching endpoints a meaningful business risk.
Technical view
The CVE describes an out-of-bounds read in macOS with potential arbitrary code execution at system privilege level by a malicious application. Apple fixed the issue in macOS Monterey 12.0.1 and macOS Big Sur 11.6.2. No CVSS score, CWE, vulnerable component, or version range is provided in the source bundle.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on macOS systems older than Monterey 12.0.1 or Big Sur 11.6.2, especially endpoints where users can install or launch untrusted applications.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not show known active exploitation, and CISA KEV status is false. The described attack requires a malicious application, so endpoint application control and user software installation practices matter.
Researcher notes
Public evidence is sparse: no CVSS, CWE, vulnerable component, affected version range, or exploit status is included. Analysis should stay anchored to Apple’s fixed-version statements and the CVE description until vendor or primary-source detail improves.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade macOS Monterey systems to 12.0.1 or later.
- Upgrade macOS Big Sur systems to 11.6.2 or later.
- Check Apple security guidance for any additional product-specific direction.
- Restrict untrusted application execution on affected Macs.
- Prioritize managed endpoints with local software installation rights.
Validation and detection
- Inventory macOS versions across managed endpoints.
- Identify systems below Monterey 12.0.1 or Big Sur 11.6.2.
- Confirm patched systems report the expected macOS build level.
- Review endpoint controls for untrusted application execution.
- Track exceptions where affected Macs cannot be upgraded promptly.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
Execution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-31002 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Not scored
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS and timeline data
No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212869CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212979CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.