data breaches

Six Ways Hackers Can Take Over Your Apple Devices—and How to Stay Safe

Published

1 week ago

7 August 2025

From speculative chip flaws to zero-day exploits, Apple rushes to patch a series of high-risk vulnerabilities targeting billions of users worldwide.

A Perfect Storm: Apple Grapples With Alarming Wave of Security Flaws

In an increasingly digital world, the sanctity of personal devices is paramount. But for Apple users—once shielded by the brand’s reputation for privacy—a recent flurry of critical vulnerabilities has sent a chill through the global tech community. From iPhones and MacBooks to Apple TVs and smart displays, billions of devices may be at risk if swift action isn’t taken.

Security researchers have flagged six major vulnerabilities impacting Apple’s hardware and software platforms, ranging from speculative execution bugs to actively exploited zero-days and remote hijacking of AirPlay. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each threat—and what it means for consumers and enterprise environments alike.

1. FLOP & SLAP: Speculative Execution Chip Flaws

Two newly discovered vulnerabilities, FLOP and SLAP, affect Apple’s custom A‑ and M‑series chips—the backbone of modern iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These flaws exploit speculative execution (similar to Spectre and Meltdown), enabling attackers to extract sensitive browser data such as:

. Credit card numbers
. Email content
. User location
. Password autofill data

“These attacks don’t require physical access or installation of malware. They exploit timing behavior in the chip’s architecture,” explained a lead researcher from Fudzilla.

Prevention: Apple is expected to issue microcode-level patches via firmware updates. Until then, users are advised to update browsers and limit exposure to untrusted JavaScript-heavy websites.

2. AirBorne: 23 Flaws in Apple’s AirPlay Protocol

A sweeping set of 23 vulnerabilities, dubbed AirBorne, were uncovered in Apple’s AirPlay SDK and protocol stack by researchers at Oligo Security. These allow attackers on the same Wi-Fi network to:

Hijack device screens
Hijacking device screens without permission is illegal and considered a cybercrime. However, attackers often exploit insecure remote access tools, unpatched screen-sharing protocols like AirPlay, or install malware to capture screen content. To protect against this, users should keep systems updated, disable unused features like AirPlay or RDP, and use strong endpoint security tools.
Deliver malicious payloads
Delivering malicious payloads involves sending harmful code—like malware, ransomware, or spyware—to a target device to gain control, steal data, or disrupt operations. Attackers often exploit software vulnerabilities, phishing emails, or unsecured network services to deliver these payloads. To defend against this, always patch systems, avoid suspicious links, and use advanced threat detection tools.
Eavesdrop on media streams
Eavesdropping on media streams allows attackers to secretly listen to or view audio and video content transmitted over a network. This can happen through vulnerabilities in protocols like AirPlay or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. To prevent this, use encrypted connections, update devices regularly, and avoid public or untrusted networks.
Access local files or trigger remote control features
Attackers can access local files or trigger remote control features by exploiting software vulnerabilities or misconfigured services. This can allow them to steal sensitive data, manipulate system settings, or control device functions without user consent. Mitigation includes applying security patches, restricting file permissions, and using firewall and endpoint protection.

While Apple patched the issue for its own devices in iOS/macOS/visionOS updates, third-party smart TVs and receivers that use older AirPlay SDKs remain vulnerable.

“We estimate over a billion devices are at risk globally,” said Oligo in its advisory.

Prevention: Update to the latest iOS/macOS versions. Disable AirPlay on untrusted or unpatched third-party devices.

3. WebKit Zero-Day (CVE‑2025‑6558): Active Exploit

A serious zero-day vulnerability in Apple’s WebKit engine—used by Safari and all iOS browsers—has been exploited in the wild. Designated CVE‑2025‑6558, the flaw allows:

Remote code execution via malicious HTML
Escape from browser sandboxing, potentially compromising the OS

“It’s being used in targeted attacks right now,” reported Tom’s Guide, citing Apple’s emergency update issued through iOS 18.6, macOS Sequoia 15.6, and Safari.

Prevention: Update all Apple devices immediately. Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unknown attachments.

4. Arbitrary Code Execution (CVE‑2025‑24085, -24137, -24159)

A cluster of vulnerabilities disclosed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) allows attackers to:

Execute arbitrary code remotely
Executing arbitrary code remotely allows attackers to run malicious commands on a victim’s device without physical access. This often occurs through unpatched vulnerabilities in browsers, apps, or operating systems. To reduce risk, regularly update software, disable unnecessary services, and implement application whitelisting.
Escalate user privileges
Privilege escalation allows attackers to gain higher access rights—like admin or root—after compromising a lower-level account. This enables them to bypass restrictions, install malware, or alter system configurations. Preventive measures include enforcing least privilege, applying security patches, and monitoring for unusual user behavior.
Gain root/system-level access
Gaining root or system-level access gives attackers full control over a device, allowing them to modify files, disable security tools, and maintain persistence. This is often achieved by exploiting privilege escalation flaws or misconfigurations. Defenses include regular patching, enforcing access controls, and using security monitoring tools to detect unauthorized activity.

Devices running outdated iOS and macOS versions are especially at risk.

Devices running outdated iOS and macOS versions are especially at risk because they lack critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Attackers often target these unpatched systems to exploit flaws and gain unauthorized access. Keeping devices up to date is essential for protecting against the latest threats.

Prevention: Patch to the latest OS versions. Enforce application whitelisting, and use device management solutions in enterprise settings.

5. EXAM: Cache-Based Pixel Theft from M-Series SoCs

Researchers recently published a paper on EXAM, a cache occupancy-based side-channel attack affecting Apple’s M-series chips (M1, M2, M3). By analyzing GPU and memory access patterns, attackers can:

“Steal” pixel-level screen data
Reconstruct website content or screen details
Fingerprint users based on rendering behavior

“It’s the first documented case of leaking GPU-rendered content using cache analysis on ARM chips,” noted researchers in arXiv.org.

Prevention: Apple is expected to release GPU cache behavior mitigations. In the meantime, users should avoid unknown browser extensions or apps.

6. Operation Triangulation: Espionage via TriangleDB

Described by some as the most sophisticated espionage campaign against Apple, Operation Triangulation leveraged four zero-days and undocumented chip-level features to install spyware (TriangleDB) that enabled:

Microphone activation
Microphone activation by attackers allows them to secretly record conversations and ambient sounds without the user’s knowledge. This can be done through spyware or exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or apps. To protect against this, regularly update your device, review app permissions, and use security software that detects unauthorized access.
File theft
File theft occurs when attackers gain unauthorized access to a device and extract sensitive documents, photos, or credentials. This often happens through malware, phishing, or exploiting system vulnerabilities. Protecting against it requires strong passwords, up-to-date software, and encryption of important files.
iCloud keychain extraction
iCloud Keychain extraction involves attackers accessing a user’s saved passwords, credit card info, and secure notes stored in Apple’s encrypted keychain. This typically requires advanced spyware or exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to bypass security protections. Users can defend against it by enabling two-factor authentication, updating devices regularly, and monitoring for suspicious activity.
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Persistence via boot-level implants
Persistence via boot-level implants allows attackers to embed malicious code deep within a device’s firmware or boot process, ensuring it survives reboots and even system resets. These implants operate below the operating system, making them extremely difficult to detect or remove. Preventing such attacks requires firmware integrity checks, secure boot configurations, and regular updates from trusted sources.

The campaign, attributed to a nation-state actor, targeted high-value iOS devices across diplomatic and tech sectors.

“This was surgical surveillance—undetectable, durable, and deeply embedded,” stated a security analyst quoted by The Hacker News.

Prevention: Apple has patched the involved vulnerabilities, but users should still reset compromised devices, re-secure cloud accounts, and consider hardware reinstallation for high-assurance environments.

What Users Should Do Now

Apply These Security Best Practices:

Updating all Apple devices to the latest software versions—such as iOS 18.6 and macOS Sequoia 15.6—is crucial for protecting against known security vulnerabilities. These updates include critical patches that fix zero-days, prevent remote code execution, and block spyware. Regular updates ensure your devices stay secure, stable, and compatible with the latest features.
Disabling AirPlay on untrusted or outdated devices helps prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in the AirPlay protocol to hijack screens or eavesdrop on media. Older or third-party devices may not receive timely security updates, making them a weak link in your network. Limiting AirPlay access reduces the risk of unauthorized control or data leakage.
Using content blockers and disabling JavaScript on risky sites helps protect against malicious scripts that can exploit browser vulnerabilities or deliver harmful payloads. JavaScript is often used in drive-by attacks to execute unauthorized code or track user activity. These precautions reduce exposure to threats, especially when browsing unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
Monitoring device behavior for unknown processes, overheating, or sudden battery drain can help detect signs of malware or spyware operating in the background. These symptoms often indicate unauthorized access or resource-intensive malicious activity. Staying alert to such changes allows for early intervention before further compromise occurs.
In enterprise settings: deploy EDR/XDR tools, enable device compliance checks, and restrict local network broadcast protocols.

Vulnerability Impact Summary

Attack / Flaw	Platform Affected	Threat Type
FLOP & SLAP	A‑ & M‑series chips	Browser data leakage (side-channel)
AirBorne	AirPlay (Apple & 3rd party)	Remote hijack, media espionage
WebKit Zero-Day (CVE‑2025‑6558)	iOS/macOS	Remote code execution via browser
Arbitrary Code Execution (CVE‑*)	Older iOS/macOS versions	Full system compromise
EXAM	M-series SoCs	GPU-rendered screen data theft
Operation Triangulation	iOS devices	Nation-state level spyware

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