Samuel Axon
Today, Apple released a small update for macOS Big Sur, numbered 11.2.1. This is primarily a solution for some MacBook Pro models that prevent their batteries from charging properly.
The update also fixed a sudo error that in some cases could play a role in allowing an attacker to gain root access, as well as other security-related updates.
Apple has also released additional updates for Catalina 10.15.7 and Mojave 10.14.6 to address the same security issues.
Apple’s very short version for this update is as follows:
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 addresses an issue that could prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. For more information on this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896 For more information on the security content of this update, visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/ HT201222
Here are the notes from Apple’s documentation for more information on the security changes:
Intel Graphics Manager
Available for: macOS Big Sur 11.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.7
Impact: an application can execute arbitrary code with core permissions
Description: An out-of-bounds writing was addressed with improved input validation.
CVE-2021-1805: ABC Research sro collaborates with Trend Micro Zero Day InitiativeIntel Graphics Manager
Available for: macOS Big Sur 11.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.7
Impact: an application can execute arbitrary code with core permissions
Description: A match condition was addressed with additional validation.
CVE-2021-1806: ABC Research sro collaborates with Trend Micro Zero Day InitiativeSudo
Available for: macOS Big Sur 11.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.7, macOS Mojave 10.14.6
Impact: A local attacker may increase their privileges
Description: This issue was addressed by updating to sudo version 1.9.5p2.
CVE-2021-3156: Qualys
The updates are available from today for all supported Macs. The last MacOS update was fairly recent: MacOS Big Sur 11.2 was released on February 1st. It resolved issues related to Bluetooth connectivity, external monitors, and more.