Apple AirPlay Security Alert: New High-Severity Vulnerability Found

Christopher Souza | CEO

A newly disclosed, high-severity vulnerability affecting Apple devices and other third-party hardware using Apple’s AirPlay technology is raising flags across the cybersecurity community. This “wormable” zero-click Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affects iPhones, MacBooks, AppleTVs, and any AirPlay-enabled third-party devices. With billions of potential endpoints impacted across the globe, this flaw could allow attackers to easily hijack devices without user interaction. At Technical Support International (TSI), we’ve already deployed Apple’s latest patches across all managed macOS devices, but organizations with unmanaged Apple products must act quickly. To keep you informed, we’ll break down what this vulnerability means for organizations like yours and what steps you should take to stay protected. 

What Is the Vulnerability and Why Is It Dangerous?

The discovered vulnerability is an RCE that requires no clicking, downloading, or opening files in order for devices to be affected. It exploits the way Apple’s AirPlay technology enables devices to announce themselves and connect on a shared network. This background communication happens automatically. Even unused or idle devices like an AppleTV in a conference room or a CarPlay-enabled vehicle can become attack vectors. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for remote takeovers through unauthorized access, posing a major risk in both homes and businesses. What makes it more dangerous is that it’s not only limited to Apple-to-Apple communication. Any third-party hardware using AirPlay is also potentially at risk. Simply turning off or shutting down a device doesn’t mitigate the threat, making network-level controls and timely patch management essential. 

How Is TSI Responding?

Our engineering team responded immediately by deploying Apple’s security patch to all TSI-managed macOS devices. But since we know how adaptive this threat is, we didn’t stop there. TSI’s layered defense model also includes preemptive network-level controls that limit unnecessary device-to-device communication. By securing network ports and controlling AirPlay traffic, we’re able to cut off the exploit’s pathways before they’re even exposed. Our managed clients can rest assured that we remain vigilant with real-time threat monitoring and routine patch management to stay ahead of fast-moving threats like this one. 

Want to learn more about how to get your devices managed by our dedicated team of experts? Click here: Managed IT Security Service Plans • Technical Support International 

What If I’m Not Managed by TSI?

If your apple devices aren’t currently managed by TSI, the time to act is now. We strongly recommend the following: 

• Promptly install the latest available Apple security updates
• Reboot any and all Apple devices after installing any updates
• Ensure iPhones, iPads, and other mobile Apple devices are updated manually, especially if AirPlay is enabled. 

However, sometimes patching alone isn’t enough. This vulnerability highlights why full device and network management is critical in today’s digital threat landscape. When TSI manages the infrastructure that keeps your organization secure, we don’t just deploy patches, we proactively monitor for threats and stop problems before they have time to grow. The more systems we manage, the more effectively we can shield your environment beyond just the device level, offering a deeper, multi-layered defense. 

What To Do Now?

The AirPlay exploit is a reminder that even widely trusted technologies can become vectors for attack. While Apple has moved quickly to patch the issue, the patches only work if they’re deployed. Follow the steps listed above to ensure your devices are rebooted and protected. If you’re unsure whether your network or Apple systems are secure, reach out to us at TSI for guidance. 

You can read more about the vulnerability’s technical details here: AirBorne: Wormable Zero-Click RCE in Apple AirPlay Puts Billions of Devices at Risk | Oligo Security | Oligo Security 

As always, our team is here to help you stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a secure and compliant IT environment. 

Stay safe! 

About Technical Support International

TSI is 35-year old cybersecurity (MSSP) and IT support (MSP) company specializing in helping DIB organizations address their NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance obligations. As a CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO), TSI offers a complete NIST 800-171 and CMMC support solution to help guide our clients toward a successful certification audit and provide the assurance that they’re adhering to these expansive compliance requirements.