By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS Cybertech
Imagine sitting in a quiet café, connected to public Wi-Fi, playing music via your iPhone on a nearby AirPlay-enabled speaker.
Unknown to you, a cybercriminal sitting two tables away has silently hijacked your device. No clicks. No pop-ups. Just seamless exploitation — this is the world of AirBorne, a newly discovered threat that has experts deeply concerned.
In a breakthrough discovery, cybersecurity firm Oligo Security has uncovered 23 vulnerabilities in Apple’s AirPlay protocol and its Software Development Kit (SDK). Seventeen of these have been formally recognized as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), and their implications are far-reaching — impacting not just Apple’s ecosystem of iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, but also millions of third-party devices like smart TVs, speakers, and even connected cars.
According to Oligo, these vulnerabilities, collectively dubbed AirBorne, enable a variety of attack techniques ranging from zero-click and one-click remote code execution (RCE) to man-in-the-middle (MITM) exploits and sensitive data leakage. In layman’s terms, attackers can potentially take control of your devices simply by being on the same network — and in some cases, not even needing you to do anything.
What is AirPlay and Why Should You Care?
Apple’s AirPlay is a wireless streaming protocol that allows users to effortlessly share audio, video, and screen content across Apple devices and supported third-party gadgets. It’s embedded in everything from your Apple TV to Bluetooth speakers and even modern vehicles with CarPlay.
While it’s designed to be convenient and seamless, that very convenience has become a double-edged sword. According to Oligo Security, attackers can abuse AirPlay’s functionalities to break into devices — silently and efficiently.
Real-World Scenarios: From Cafés to Cars
1. Public Wi-Fi Hazard
You’re working from a coffee shop, your MacBook’s AirPlay is set to accept connections from “everyone on the same network.” An attacker nearby uses CVE-2025-24252 to silently take control of your device, spreading malware across your work network once you return to the office.
2. Smart Speaker Surveillance
That stylish speaker in your living room? If it uses the vulnerable AirPlay SDK, an attacker could remotely use its microphone to eavesdrop on your conversations. Not science fiction — very possible with CVE-2025-24132.
3. CarPlay Chaos
In your car, an attacker could use wireless proximity to connect to CarPlay and trigger distracting media playback, or worse, track your location and access audio streams — potentially endangering your safety or privacy.
The Scale of the Threat
Apple has over 2.35 billion active devices globally, and millions of those are AirPlay-enabled. Combine that with tens of millions of third-party devices and CarPlay integration in over 800 car models, and the potential attack surface becomes staggering.
According to Oligo, the vulnerabilities are so critical that some allow wormable exploits — meaning malware could spread from one device to another without user interaction, much like a contagious digital virus.
What’s Being Done?
Apple has collaborated with Oligo Security to fix these vulnerabilities through recent software updates. If you’re an Apple user or own any AirPlay-enabled device, updating your software immediately is crucial.
Oligo followed responsible disclosure practices — sharing detailed documentation, code, and mitigation plans with Apple — which helped ensure that fixes were rolled out in a timely and coordinated manner.
Lessons for the Everyday User
So, what can the average person do to stay safe?
Update All Devices: Whether it’s your MacBook, iPhone, smart speaker, or infotainment system — make sure your software is current.
Restrict AirPlay Access: Set AirPlay permissions to “Contacts Only” or disable it when not needed, especially on public networks.
Use Secure Networks: Avoid open Wi-Fi connections without encryption. Use a VPN for added protection.
Be Cautious With Unknown Devices: Just like you’d think twice before plugging in a stranger’s USB drive, be wary of unexplained AirPlay prompts or unfamiliar devices on your network.
The Bigger Picture
The AirBorne vulnerabilities are a stark reminder that as our devices become more interconnected, so do our risks. Features built for convenience — like seamless streaming and wireless pairing — can also become silent backdoors for attackers.
Cybersecurity is no longer just about computers and smartphones. It now includes your car, your TV, your headphones, and even your home speaker. The convenience of the wireless age comes with an unspoken price: eternal vigilance.
AirBorne might have been caught early, but it’s only a chapter in the ever-evolving book of digital threats.
The takeaway? Stay updated, stay informed, and never assume your everyday tech is too “basic” to be hacked.
