Arbitrary code execution via PDF integer overflow
Published Aug 24, 2021 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Integer overflow in Apple iOS before 14.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing a maliciously crafted PDF. CoreGraphics performs integer arithmetic while parsing crafted PDF data, and insufficient input validation lets the overflow corrupt control data and redirect execution. Exploitation requires the device to process the document; Apple reported active exploitation, with arbitrary code execution as the bounded impact.
Summary
What happened
Integer overflow in Apple iOS before 14.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by processing a maliciously crafted PDF. CoreGraphics performs integer arithmetic while parsing crafted PDF data, and insufficient input validation lets the overflow corrupt control data and redirect execution. Exploitation requires the device to process the document; Apple reported active exploitation, with arbitrary code execution as the bounded impact.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2021-30860
- Published
- Aug 24, 2021
- Updated
- Oct 21, 2025
- Vendor
- Apple
- Product
- iOS
- Classifications
- CWE-190, T1203
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Oct 21, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <14.8
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- FORCEDENTRYweaponized · observed in use
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Reported exploitation
- Apple-reported active exploitationreported exploitation
Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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