Apple CarPlay Exploited to Gain Root Access via Remote Code Execution (RCE)

Threat Overview:

A critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability—CVE-2025-24132—in Apple’s AirPlay SDK, used by wireless CarPlay systems, enables unauthenticated, zero-click remote code execution at root privilege level oligo.securityThe VergeArabian Post. Dubbed part of the AirBorne vulnerability series, it has wormable potential across devices on the same network oligo.securityThe Verge.

Technical Breakdown:

  • The exploit leverages a buffer overflow in AirPlay’s data parsing.
  • It is fully executed over Wi-Fi (wireless CarPlay) and can be triggered post Bluetooth iAP2 pairing oligo.securityArabian Post.
  • Some pairings, particularly “Just Works,” require no PIN or user interaction, rendering the exploit zero-click and seamless oligo.securityCyberInsider.

Real-World Exposure:

  • Prevalent across 800+ vehicle models integrating CarPlay The VergeVicOne.
  • Attack vectors include hijacking infotainmentvehicle surveillancedashboard distraction, and location tracking The VergeThe Sun.
  • The exploit chain is accessible in environments leveraging default or weak Wi-Fi credentials for CarPlay The SunCyberInsider.

Vulnerability Table

CVEVulnerabilityImpactVectorsNotes
CVE-2025-24132AirPlay SDK stack-based buffer overflowRoot Remote Code Execution (wormable RCE)Wi-Fi, via iAP2Zero-click in “Just Works” pairing oligo.securityThe VergeCyberInsider
CVE-2025-8474Alpine iLX-507 CarPlay implementation buffer overflowLocal root RCE (physical access)Local vehicle unitAuthentication not required NVDGitHub

Security Context—AirBorne Series:

  • This is part of Apple’s AirBorne set of remote, wormable vulnerabilities in the AirPlay protocol oligo.securityThe VergeVicOne.
  • The dangerous nature stems from unpatched third-party devices, scattered across automotive, smart-home, and PA ecosystems WIREDThe Verge.

Mitigation & Defense Recommendations:

For Vehicle OEMs / Security Teams:

  1. Prioritize firmware updates for AirPlay SDKs—Audio 2.7.1+, Video 3.6.0.126+, CarPlay Plug-in R18.1+ Apple Support.
  2. Enforce strong, non-default Wi-Fi credentials for CarPlay hotspots.
  3. Disable “Just Works” Bluetooth pairing; adopt secure pairing with user confirmation.
  4. Monitor infotainment systems for anomalous network behavior.
  5. Work with OEMs for OTA security patch deployment—it’s currently fragmented and slow oligo.securityVicOne.

For Security Admins / Enterprises:

  • Employ network segmentation to isolate CarPlay or connected devices.
  • Use IoT-aware EDR/XDR to detect rogue wireless connections in trusted networks.
  • Leverage Threat Intelligence feeds for AirPlay/car infotainment vulnerabilities.

Hot Terms:

  • Remote Code Execution in Automotive Systems
  • Generative AI Cloud Security
  • Zero Trust in Car Infotainment
  • IoT and Vehicle Cybersecurity
  • AI-powered threat detection

CyberDudeBivash Verdict:

The CVE-2025-24132 CarPlay exploit is a wake-up call—vehicles are now endpoints capable of malware, surveillance, or data exfiltration. Without patch adoption across OEMs, these vulnerabilities will remain an open invitation for attackers.

#CYBERDUDEBIVASH #THREATANALYSIS #CVE202524132

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