A recent discovery by cybersecurity firm Oligo Security has unveiled a series of critical vulnerabilities in Apple’s AirPlay protocol and SDK, collectively termed “AirBorne.” These flaws pose significant risks to a vast array of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and numerous third-party gadgets like smart speakers, TVs, and CarPlay systems.
Understanding the Threat
The AirBorne vulnerabilities encompass several severe security issues:
- Zero-Click Remote Code Execution (RCE): Attackers can exploit certain flaws without any user interaction, allowing them to execute malicious code remotely.
- Wormable Exploits: Two specific vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2025-24252 and CVE-2025-24132, enable malware to propagate across devices on the same network, potentially leading to widespread infections.
- Access Control Bypass: Flaws like CVE-2025-24206 allow attackers to bypass user consent mechanisms, facilitating unauthorized access to devices.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers can repeatedly crash the AirPlay service, disrupting normal device functionality.
- Sensitive Data Exposure: Exploiting these vulnerabilities could grant attackers access to local files and sensitive information.
These vulnerabilities are concerning because they can be exploited over local Wi-Fi networks or peer-to-peer connections, making devices susceptible even without direct internet exposure.
Real-World Implications
Successful exploitation could allow malicious actors to:
- Hijack smart speakers to play unauthorized audio or capture conversations.
- Manipulate CarPlay systems to display unwanted images or track vehicle locations, especially if the car’s Wi-Fi uses default or weak passwords.
- Spread malware across connected devices within the same network, leading to potential espionage or ransomware attacks.
Given that Apple reports over 2.35 billion active devices globally, and with millions of third-party AirPlay-enabled gadgets in circulation, the scope of potential impact is vast.
Apple’s Response and Ongoing Risks
Apple has acknowledged these vulnerabilities and released patches across its platforms, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. However, a significant concern remains:
Third-Party Devices: While Apple has provided updates for third-party manufacturers, it does not control their distribution. This means many third-party devices may remain unpatched, leaving users vulnerable.
Oligo Security emphasizes that the risk persists, especially for devices that are rarely updated or lack robust security measures.
Protective Measures for Users
To mitigate potential risks, users are advised to:
- Update Devices Promptly: Ensure all Apple and AirPlay-enabled devices are running the latest software versions.
- Disable Unused Features: Turn off the AirPlay Receiver if it is not in use to reduce exposure.
- Restrict Access: Configure firewall settings to limit AirPlay communication (typically on Port 7000) to trusted devices only.
- Enhance Security Settings: Set AirPlay access to “Current User Only” to prevent unauthorized connections.
- Strengthen Network Security: Use strong, unique passwords for Wi-Fi networks, especially in vehicles and public spaces.
Conclusion
The AirBorne vulnerabilities emphasize the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, especially in an era where interconnected devices are common. While Apple has taken steps to address these issues, users must remain vigilant, ensuring their devices are updated and secured against potential threats.