Millions of Apple devices at risk from ‘Airborne’ AirPlay flaws

Researchers have discovered a set of serious security issues in Apple’s AirPlay feature which is used to stream content from iPhones, iPads, and Macs to other devices like smart TVs and speakers. The flaws, dubbed “Airborne”, were detailed in a report by cybersecurity firm Oligo and was first reported on by Wired.

What’s the AirPlay problem?

These bugs made it possible for hackers on the same Wi-Fi network (like in a café, hotel, or office) to take control of AirPlay-enabled devices. From there, they could install malware, spy on users, or even launch more serious cyberattacks.

The vulnerabilities affect a wide range of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs. But the risk doesn’t stop there. Many smart TVs, speakers, and other third-party accessories that support AirPlay are also vulnerable.

Even Apple’s CarPlay feature is impacted, although exploiting it would require someone to physically access your vehicle via Bluetooth or USB, which lowers the real-world risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.

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It’s worth noting that the risk isn’t just limited to Apple devices. It also affects third-party products that support AirPlay, including some smart TVs and speakers. Apple has already fixed many of these issues with recent software updates. However, many non-Apple devices remain vulnerable, especially older models that may never get updated.

What can the hackers do and how you can protect your devices?

If hackers gain access to a device through AirPlay, the damage could be serious. They could install and run malicious software remotely, intercept your data during transfers, install ransomware, or even spy on your activities. In more advanced scenarios, attackers could use compromised devices to launch supply-chain attacks, potentially impacting even more users across a network.

To stay safe, the most important step is to update all your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even Vision Pro to the latest available software. In addition, it’s a good idea to adjust your AirPlay settings for added security.

On Macs, consider disabling the “AirPlay Receiver” feature unless you specifically need it. You should also limit AirPlay sharing permissions to the current user only, or turn it off entirely when it’s not in use.