Cybersecurity professionals are urgently advising Apple users to update their devices without delay following the discovery of a major security loophole in the company’s AirPlay technology, according to the New York Post. Researchers say the flaw could open the door for hackers to steal sensitive information, install malicious software, and even listen in on private conversations.
The vulnerability, dubbed “AirBorne,” exposes millions of Apple devices to potential threats. Experts explain that the issue allows cyber attackers to penetrate devices sharing the same Wi-Fi network — making places like coffee shops, office spaces, and airports particularly vulnerable.
AirPlay, which allows wireless media sharing across Apple products, relies on a software development kit (SDK) used in a wide array of electronics. Analysts warn that this exploit could provide intruders with access to various devices, such as iPhones, smart TVs, and infotainment systems in vehicles.
“Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch — or they will never be patched,” said Gal Elbaz, chief technology officer and co-founder of Israeli cybersecurity company Oligo, during an interview with Wired. “And it’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything.”
Security investigators identified 23 distinct flaws within the AirPlay system. Worryingly, the affected hardware could include older or idle devices that are still connected to a network — such as obsolete streaming boxes or Bluetooth speakers — which could serve as entry points for attackers.
“If a hacker can get on the same network as one of these devices, they can gain control and use it as a stepping stone to reach everything else,” Elbaz warned.
In response to the findings, Apple has released software updates to patch the vulnerabilities, and users are strongly urged to download the latest versions. However, products made by outside companies that rely on AirPlay integration have yet to be uniformly updated — a gap in protection that cybersecurity experts say could put users at continued risk.
“When third-party manufacturers integrate Apple technologies like AirPlay via an SDK, obviously Apple no longer has direct control over the hardware or the patching process,” said Patrick Wardle, CEO of Apple-centric security company DoubleYou. “If third-party vendors drag their feet — or skip updates entirely — it could leave users exposed and might chip away at consumer trust in the entire ‘Apple ecosystem.'”
To mitigate potential breaches, security specialists recommend Apple users update their iPhones and other Apple hardware as soon as possible and turn off AirPlay if it is not currently needed. Doing so could block a major vector for cyberattacks.
While Apple has worked swiftly to correct these issues within its own devices, analysts stress that the wider concern is the sheer number of non-Apple products that depend on AirPlay and may remain unprotected.
{Matzav.com}