Researchers have uncovered a powerful software exploit called Darksword that can penetrate and steal information from potentially hundreds of millions of Apple iPhones. According to TimesLIVE, Reuters, and Sky News, the malware was planted on dozens of Ukrainian websites in recent weeks.
Key Takeaways
Researchers have discovered powerful spyware called Darksword that can infiltrate iPhones running older iOS versions (18.4 to 18.6.2). This malware, found on Ukrainian websites, targets hundreds of millions of devices and is linked to suspected Russian operators who also used the Coruna spyware.
The discovery marks the second time this month that researchers have found spyware targeting iPhones and other Apple devices. Together, Darksword and a separate spyware called Coruna reveal a flourishing market for sophisticated malware capable of stealing data and cryptocurrency wallet information.
Researchers with cyber firm Lookout, mobile security firm iVerify, and Alphabet’s Google published coordinated analyses of the malware. They found that Darksword was delivered to iPhone users running iOS versions 18.4 to 18.6.2, released between March and August 2025.
According to iVerify and Lookout, an estimated 220 million to 270 million iPhones still run these exposed iOS versions due to users not installing updates. Apple has released multiple fixes for the underlying bugs, but many people have not updated their devices.
The discovery of two distinct powerful iOS exploits this month suggests a robust ecosystem for tools that were previously limited primarily to state-level intelligence operations. Researchers noted that the vulnerabilities were discovered because of sloppy security mistakes not common in state-linked iPhone hacking.
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