A security bug in Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature may expose personal app data to corporate IT departments, according to a report by Sevco Security. This issue has emerged as macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 continue to roll out, enabling employees to use iPhone Mirroring on work devices. However, Sevco warns that this feature may inadvertently reveal personal apps from an employee’s iPhone to their employer’s software inventory.
How the Bug Works
iPhone Mirroring was designed to allow seamless interaction between an iPhone and a Mac. Users can view and control their iPhone apps directly on their Mac, providing convenience for multitasking. However, Sevco discovered that personal apps on an employee’s iPhone could mistakenly appear on their work Mac’s software inventory. This occurs because the mirrored apps populate the same data as native Mac applications, which corporate IT systems can track.
According to Sevco, this bug may unintentionally expose apps that users would prefer to keep private. Examples include apps for dating, health, or VPN services, which could reveal sensitive personal information. In jurisdictions with strict privacy laws, this issue could lead to legal risks for companies that unwittingly collect this data.
Risks for Employees and Companies
Sevco warns that this bug creates significant privacy concerns. Employees using iPhone Mirroring on work devices risk exposing personal aspects of their lives. Meanwhile, companies could face data liability issues if they inadvertently gather private information. Collecting such data may violate privacy laws like the CCPA, and could lead to potential lawsuits or regulatory penalties.
Sevco has already reported the issue to Apple, who is working on a patch. They have also informed enterprise vendors that may be affected, allowing companies to take temporary measures. Until a fix is available, Sevco advises employees to avoid using iPhone Mirroring on work computers and suggests that companies notify their staff of the potential risks.
What’s Next for iPhone Mirroring?
Apple is expected to release a patch soon. Sevco recommends that companies apply the update promptly once it’s available. In the meantime, they suggest purging any private data accidentally collected due to this bug. Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature aims to enhance user experience, but this privacy glitch highlights the need for robust testing in cross-device integrations. Both employees and employers should stay informed about potential security risks as digital tools evolve.
