CVE-2021-30983
HighExploitedPublic exploitA buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Published Dec 15, 2021 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-30983 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Ipados (Apple), Iphone OS (Apple), iOS and iPadOS.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 13, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 2.9% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 15.2, Iphone OS 15.2, iOS and iPadOS 15.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
2.9%
Higher than 86.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-30983 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2. An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 27, 2022 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 13, 2021 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 27, 2022 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 27, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IpadosApple | See advisory | 15.2 |
| Iphone OSApple | See advisory | 15.2 |
| iOS and iPadOS | >= unspecified | 15.2 |
Patched Releases
Ipados
15.2
Iphone OS
15.2
iOS and iPadOS
15.2
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 13, 2021
Publicly disclosed
Dec 15, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 27, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 27, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 27, 2022
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
References
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212976
- advisoryhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212978
- advisoryhttps://www.securityweek.com/19-million-paid-out-exploits-chinas-tianfu-cup-hacking-contest
- advisoryhttps://www.securityweek.com/apple-patches-42-security-flaws-latest-ios-refresh
- advisoryhttps://www.securityweek.com/apple-patches-vulnerabilities-earned-hackers-500000-chinese-contest
FAQ
Common Questions.
A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Affected: Ipados (Apple); Iphone OS (Apple); iOS and iPadOS versions >= unspecified. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 13, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Jun 27, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 18, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Ipados 15.2, Iphone OS 15.2, iOS and iPadOS 15.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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