1. Introduction
Apple AirPlay Web Detection identifies Apple AirPlay services running on a remote host, allowing information gathering about the device. This vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially fingerprint devices on your network and gather details about their capabilities. It primarily affects systems running Apple AirPlay or compatible software, impacting confidentiality of device information.
2. Technical Explanation
Apple AirPlay was detected responding on a remote host. The service responds to requests with information about the device it is running on. An attacker can send crafted requests to gather details such as model number and supported features. This vulnerability does not have a CVE associated with it, but represents an information disclosure risk.
- Root cause: AirPlay service exposes device information via web interface.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends HTTP requests to the AirPlay service endpoint to retrieve device details. For example, sending a GET request to the root path of the AirPlay service may return model and other identifying information.
- Scope: Apple devices running AirPlay (iOS, macOS), or systems with compatible software.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm whether a system is vulnerable by checking for an open AirPlay port and attempting to retrieve device information. A quick check involves scanning the network for port 6200.
- Quick checks: Use nmap to scan for port 6200:
nmap -p 6200 - Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138549 can detect Apple AirPlay. This is an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Check web server logs for requests to the AirPlay service endpoint (typically port 6200).
nmap -p 6200 4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to disable or restrict access to the Apple AirPlay service if it’s not required. If needed, ensure the service is behind a firewall and only accessible from trusted networks.
4.1 Preparation
- Backups are generally not needed for this change. Stop the AirPlay service if possible.
- Dependencies: None. Roll back plan: Re-enable the AirPlay service if necessary.
- Change window needs: Low impact, no specific approval required.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Disable the AirPlay service on the affected system. This can be done through the operating system’s settings or configuration files.
- Step 2: If disabling is not possible, restrict access to port 6200 using a firewall.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# AirPlay service enabled (example configuration)
airplay_enabled = true
After
# AirPlay service disabled (example configuration)
airplay_enabled = false
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.
- Practice 1: Least Privilege – Limit the network access to only trusted sources.
- Practice 2: Network Segmentation – Isolate AirPlay services on a separate network segment if possible.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# Example PowerShell script to block port 6200 with Windows Firewall
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block AirPlay Port" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 6200 -Action Block -Enabled True
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying that the AirPlay service is no longer accessible from external networks and that attempts to retrieve device information fail.
- Post-fix check: Run nmap again and confirm port 6200 is closed:
nmap -p 6200Expected output should show the port as filtered or closed.
- Re-test: Re-run the initial nmap scan to verify that port 6200 is no longer open.
- Smoke test: Ensure any legitimate AirPlay functionality still works if required, for example casting from a trusted device on the local network.
- Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for blocked connections to port 6200.
nmap -p 6200 6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include a requirement to disable or restrict access to unnecessary services like AirPlay. Implement network segmentation to isolate sensitive services.
- Baselines: Update your network device configuration baseline to block unused ports, including 6200.
- Pipelines: Consider adding checks in CI/CD pipelines to ensure that new systems do not have unnecessary services enabled.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review the list of running services on all assets.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Disabling AirPlay will prevent legitimate use of the service.
- Roll back: Re-enable the AirPlay service through the operating system settings or configuration files.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.apple.com/airplay/