Security Vulnerabilities Discovered in AirDrop and Quick Share

Two security researchers have discovered six critical security vulnerabilities in the wireless features AirDrop and Quick Share, which enable attackers to crash nearby devices. These functions allow for the wireless transfer of files between devices without prior connection or shared network. The vulnerabilities affect both Mac and iPhone devices configured to receive files from anyone. An attacker within the range of the wireless connection can crash the file transfer services on an affected device using a laptop and without prior connection. This occurs without any user interaction, such as confirming a receipt or pressing a button.

The researchers found that these attacks can be triggered by deliberately sending specially crafted data packets. The vulnerabilities have been identified in the current version of AirDrop and Quick Share. The researchers have detailed the vulnerabilities in a technical report that explains the specific attack vectors and the potential impacts on users. The vulnerabilities have been classified as CVE-2026-1234 to CVE-2026-1239. The researchers warn that the attacks not only lead to a crash of the file transfer services but also provide the opportunity to bypass other security mechanisms.

This could allow attackers unauthorized access to sensitive data transmitted via these services. The discovery of these vulnerabilities raises serious questions about the security of wireless transmission protocols. Apple has already responded to the discovery and is working on an update to close the security gaps. The company has emphasized that user security is a top priority and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the integrity of the systems. However, a specific date for the release of the update has not yet been announced.

The researchers recommend that users temporarily disable the AirDrop and Quick Share features until a security update is provided. This may be particularly relevant for users of devices frequently used in public or insecure environments. Temporarily disabling these features could significantly reduce the risk of an attack. The discovery of these security vulnerabilities is not the first of its kind. Similar reports of security issues with wireless transmission protocols have emerged in the past.

Researchers emphasize that continuous review and improvement of security measures in the technology industry are essential to identify and address such vulnerabilities. The security gaps in AirDrop and Quick Share affect a wide range of devices sold in recent years. Estimates suggest that millions of users worldwide could be affected, especially in regions with high usage of Apple products. The exact number of affected devices is currently being determined. The researchers presented their findings at a security conference, where they also explained the technical details of the attacks.

The presentation garnered significant interest and led to intense discussions about the security of wireless technologies. Experts are calling for increased collaboration between manufacturers and security researchers to identify and resolve such issues more quickly in the future. The vulnerabilities were disclosed on June 30, 2026, and the researchers have already contacted Apple to report the vulnerabilities. The company's response is being closely monitored as users hope for a swift resolution. The security vulnerabilities could also impact the perception of the security of wireless transmission protocols in general.