AirBorne Alert: Critical Apple AirPlay Vulnerabilities Expose Devices to Hijacking Risks
April 29, 2025
Using a VPN is recommended for enhanced protection of Apple devices against these vulnerabilities.
Hackers could engage in various malicious activities, including accessing personal files, executing harmful code, or launching denial-of-service attacks to disrupt device functionality.
Compromised devices may also pose a risk to enterprise networks, as illustrated by scenarios where a compromised MacBook connects to corporate Wi-Fi.
Delaying software updates significantly increases exposure to these vulnerabilities, highlighting the critical need for prompt updates and vigilance against evolving threats.
Users should restrict AirPlay access to their Apple account rather than allowing it for everyone, which can help reduce the attack surface.
With tens of millions of third-party AirPlay devices in circulation and CarPlay integrated into over 800 vehicle models, the potential impact of these vulnerabilities is substantial.
To mitigate risks, users are advised to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as attackers need to be on the same network to exploit these vulnerabilities.
The vulnerabilities allow for zero-click attacks, enabling compromised devices to infect others silently, particularly when transitioning between networks, such as from public Wi-Fi to corporate Wi-Fi.
A recent report published on April 28, 2025, by Oligo Security has uncovered critical vulnerabilities in Apple's AirPlay protocol and SDK, collectively referred to as AirBorne, which could enable attackers to hijack devices.
Many affected devices, particularly smart home gadgets and in-car systems, often lack regular updates, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
This incident underscores the risks associated with third-party integration of Apple technologies, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to prioritize security to maintain trust in Apple's ecosystem.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the importance of keeping devices updated and using strong, unique passwords, especially for less monitored smart home technology.
Summary based on 40 sources
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Sources

WIRED • Apr 29, 2025
Millions of Apple Airplay-Enabled Devices Can Be Hacked via Wi-Fi
The Verge • Apr 29, 2025
AirPlay security flaws could help hackers spread malware on your network
Lifehacker • Apr 30, 2025
Update Your Apple Devices Now to Keep Them Safe From New AirPlay Vulnerability
PCMag • Apr 30, 2025
'AirBorne' Flaw Exposes AirPlay Devices to Hacking: How to Protect Yourself