CVE-2021-30805

Kernel code execution via AMD Kernel memory corruption

Published Sep 8, 2021 · Updated Aug 3, 2024

Memory corruption in the AMD Kernel in Apple macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The AMD Kernel inadequately validates application-controlled input during memory handling, allowing memory corruption. Execution of a local application is required; successful exploitation crosses into the kernel and permits arbitrary code execution at kernel privilege.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability3.15%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
Coverage for this vulnerability

See if you're affected

Explore vulnerability checks for your environment with Hinoki.

Book a demo

Summary

What happened

Memory corruption in the AMD Kernel in Apple macOS allows local users to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The AMD Kernel inadequately validates application-controlled input during memory handling, allowing memory corruption. Execution of a local application is required; successful exploitation crosses into the kernel and permits arbitrary code execution at kernel privilege.

The record

CVE
CVE-2021-30805
Published
Sep 8, 2021
Updated
Aug 3, 2024
Vendor
Apple
Product
Security Update Catalina
Classifications
CWE-787, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Sep 8, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 3, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

Compare your product and version with the public record. A matching version still requires validation against your environment.

Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=unspecified <2021

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

Apple · Security Update Catalinaversion=unspecified <2021
Apple · macOSversion=unspecified <11.5; version=unspecified <2021

Published CVSS scores

9.8NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
10.0NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-787Out-of-bounds Write
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

See the directory against your own environment.

Your stack

Check the software in your environment

Book a demo to see how Hinoki identifies affected software and validates exploitability in your environment.

Book a demo