Apple has long positioned itself as tech industry's advocate for user privacy—and to its credit, it has consistently delivered features that put data protection front and center.
From on-device processing and more, Apple’s commitment to privacy is more than just marketing—Apple is trying hard to bake that into the DNA of its ecosystem. But that doesn’t mean the company’s efforts are without cracks. No matter how hard Apple polishes its hardware and software, Apple’s privacy initiatives aren’t without flaws.
The truth is, Apple, as one the most privacy-focused tech giants, still walks with vulnerabilities.
A newly uncovered vulnerability, ominously dubbed 'AirBorne,' is putting the company’s privacy credentials to the test.
Discovered by cybersecurity researchers, this critical flaw targets AirPlay, which is an Apple’s wireless streaming protocol that enables iPhones and Macbooks to seamlessly play music or show photos and videos on other Apple devices or third-party speakers and TVs that integrate the protocol.
When exploited, it can allow hackers to deploy malware, intercept private data, and even eavesdrop on users—all by simply being on the same Wi-Fi network. That means public spaces like cafes, airports, and even shared workspaces could become silent battlegrounds for digital intrusion.
The vulnerability stems from 23 separate flaws found within the AirPlay protocol and its Software Development Kit (SDK). While Apple has already released patches for its own hardware, the bigger concern lies with millions of third-party devices—think smart TVs, wireless speakers, and even car infotainment systems that use AirPlay.
A lot of devices support AirPlay, but may not receive timely (or any) updates.
An Apple user may be able to keep iPhone or iPad fully updated, but a neglected smart speaker collecting dust in the corner could quietly become a backdoor.
And hackers love backdoors.
According to a website post by Gal Elbaz, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity firm Oligo, the company that discovered the flaw:
"And it’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything."
To mitigate the potential security risks posed by the AirBorne vulnerability, experts at Oligo strongly recommend users to update all Apple devices to the latest available software.
In addition, it’s advisable to disable the AirPlay receiver entirely if it isn’t actively being used, reducing unnecessary exposure.
For added protection, network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict AirPlay communication, specifically limiting access on port 7000 to only trusted devices within the network.
Finally, adjusting AirPlay settings to “Allow AirPlay for: Current User” can help minimize the protocol’s attack surface. While this setting won’t eliminate all vulnerabilities, it provides an extra layer of defense by narrowing potential entry points.
Apple may be privacy’s poster child, but as this AirBorne scare reveals, even the most secure systems are only as strong as their weakest (and often forgotten) links.