Apple Expands iOS 18.7.7 Update to More Devices to Block DarkSword Exploit
The Hacker News • • technology
Key Points:
- Apple has expanded the availability of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 updates to a wider range of devices to protect against the DarkSword exploit kit, which targets iOS versions 18.4 to 18.7 through compromised websites.
- The update, initially released on March 24, 2026, was previously limited to a few devices but now covers many iPhone and iPad models capable of updating to iOS 26, allowing users to patch vulnerabilities without upgrading to the latest OS.
- DarkSword, discovered by Google Threat Intelligence Group and security firms, has been used in cyber attacks since July 2025 in countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine, deploying backdoors and data-stealing malware like GHOSTBLADE.
- Apple’s decision to backport security fixes to older iOS versions marks a rare move aimed at protecting users who have not upgraded to the latest operating system, addressing concerns over ongoing exploitation of unpatched devices.
- Security experts warn that the leak of DarkSword’s code on GitHub and its use by threat actors highlight the growing risk of powerful iPhone spyware becoming tools for widespread cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of timely updates.
