Critical AirPlay ‘Airborne’ flaws put billions of Apple devices at risk

Doha, Qatar: If you haven t updated your IOS system yet, you might be vulnerable to zero click full access ransomware or espionage attacks, according...

Doha, Qatar: If you haven’t updated your IOS system yet, you might be vulnerable to zero-click full access ransomware or espionage attacks, according to a recent report released by Oligo Security firm. 

The report states that a set of severe security vulnerabilities, collectively dubbed ‘Airborne,’ has been uncovered in Apple’s AirPlay protocol, exposing billions of Apple devices to a risk of sophisticated undetectable cyberattacks. 

The devices at risk include iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and third-party AirPlay-enabled products such as smart TVs, cars' infotainment systems, and even speakers. 

Speaking to the WIRED, researchers from Oligo Security demonstrated how these vulnerabilities could allow hackers using the same Wi-Fi network to easily and undetectably take over AirPlay-enabled devices, and use them as footholds for further attacks, such as installing ransomware or conducting espionage. 

Similar attacks have been observed during the past few years, including the infamous ‘Pegasus’ malware.