# CVE-2021-30657: Apple macOS Unspecified Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2021-30657-apple-macos-unspecified-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2021-11-03. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2021-30657 · Severity: critical · CVSS 5.5 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2021-11-03

A logic issue in macOS System Preferences allows a malicious application to bypass Gatekeeper security checks. This vulnerability was addressed through improved state management in macOS Big Sur 11.3 and Security Update 2021-002 Catalina.

Technologies: [Apple macOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos). Vendors: [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2021-30657 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2021-30657 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 3 November 2021. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2021-30657?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 5.5, published 3 November 2021.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Apple macOS Big Sur versions before 11.3; Apple macOS Catalina versions before Security Update 2021-002.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2021-30657?** A patch was published on 2021-04-26: Fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.3 and Security Update 2021-002 Catalina Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2021-30657 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2021-30657?** Check whether you run Apple macOS. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Apple macOS Big Sur versions before 11.3
- Apple macOS Catalina versions before Security Update 2021-002

## Timeline

- 2021-09-08: disclosed: NVD Published Date
- 2021-11-03: kev added: Date added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2021-11-03: advisory: Published date provided in advisory title
- 2021-04-26: patched: Fixed in macOS Big Sur 11.3 and Security Update 2021-002 Catalina
- exploited: Apple is aware of reports that this issue may have been actively exploited.

## Related threats

- [Apple Bluetooth use-after-free vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113970-a-use-after-free-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-memory)
- [Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and related platforms rate limit bypass in AirPlay pairing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113969-a-logic-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-state-management-this)
- [Apple iOS and iPadOS Bluetooth pairing code rate limit bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113968-a-logic-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-state-management-this)
- [Apple iOS/iPadOS Bluetooth pairing bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-113965-this-issue-was-addressed-with-improved-checks-this-issue-is)
- [Apple iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Safari, tvOS, watchOS pointer authentication bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2024-27834-apple-multiple-products-improper-authentication-vulnerability)