iPhone users, Apple devices might be at risk due to this major security flaw; check all about AirBorne malware

Apple's AirPlay is one of the widely used features by iPhone lovers around the world. The feature allows users to access seamless streaming experience of videos, photographs, and music across multiple devices from the tech giant. It can also be connected to other compatible speakers and smart TVs. However, to use the feature, the connected devices should be using the same WiFi network.

Now, a recent research has unveiled a major bug, dubbed as 'AirBorne'. This enables hackers to run their own codes on such connections and spread malware on the connected devices. It does so using the same WiFi network on which the devices are connected, Wired reported.

AirBorne: What is it?

The Oligo Security researchers have found out that these possible attacks get transmitted through the wireless networks. This grants an opportunity to scammers to take control of the devices and utilise the access for further exploitation.

Through this, the hackers get to deploy malware into connected devices on the same WiFi, while they can even snoop on the private data of the Apple users, New York Post reported.

Not just that, when you are connected on the same WiFi network, they get to secretly listen to the conversations of the users.

Among the popular public Wi-Fi network locations include the airports, offices, and coffee shops.

In total, 23 major vulnerabilities were found in the AirPlay protocol of the Cupertino giant along with the software development kit (SDK). With the help of AirBorne, hackers can even find a gateway to bypass the security through devices which are not actively used, such as Bluetooth speakers and others.

Gal Elbaz, Oligo's chief technology officer and co-founder, told Wired that since AirPlay is being supported in a huge variety of devices, there seems to be a lot that will take years to patch, with chances of them never getting patched.

Elbaz noted that it was all due to vulnerabilities "in one piece of software that affects everything.”

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How to avoid AirBorne?

The best possible way to ensure that your iPhone device remains away from hackers' access is by updating all the devices with the latest available software versions out there. At least make sure that this is done to all the devices that are connected to AirPlay.

Also, users are advised to disable the AirPlay feature if they are not in use.

On its behalf, the company has released security updates to fix the issues. But still there are third-party gadgets that might not have been updated.

FAQs

1. What's the latest update from Apple for iPhone users?
Apple came out with the iOS 18.4.1 update last month, which fixes several issues on the devices.

2. How to download updates on Apple devices?
Open Settings and select the General option. In this, you will see the Software Update. Tapping on Update Now will search for the latest versions.