**Apple Issues Critical Security Patch for Widespread DarkSword Exploit Kit**

In a significant move, Apple has expanded the availability of its latest security patch, iOS 18.7.7, to a broader range of devices, offering vital protection against the actively exploited DarkSword exploit kit. This update aims to extend critical security protections to more iPhones and iPads still running on iOS 18, safeguarding users from web attacks associated with this notorious exploit kit.

The DarkSword exploit kit has been making headlines in recent months due to its widespread deployment and targeted nature. Initially disclosed by researchers from Lookout, iVerify, and Google Threat Intelligence in March 2026, the kit leverages six critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31277, CVE-2025-43529, CVE-2026-20700, CVE-2025-14174, CVE-2025-43510, and CVE-2025-43520) to compromise devices running iOS versions 18.4 through 18.7.

**What is DarkSword?**

DarkSword is an exploit kit designed to target iPhones running on vulnerable iOS versions, allowing threat actors to inject malware onto compromised devices. This malicious activity has been observed in various campaigns, with confirmed users including Turkish commercial surveillance company PARS Defense, UNC6748 (a known threat actor), and suspected Russian espionage group UNC6353.

Researchers have identified three associated malware families: GhostBlade (an aggressive JavaScript-based infostealer), GhostKnife (a backdoor), and GhostSaber (JavaScript malware capable of executing code and stealing data). The threat landscape expanded further in March 2026 when a researcher published details of the DarkSword exploit kit on GitHub, making it accessible to additional threat actors targeting devices without critical security patches.

**How Apple's iOS 18.7.7 Update Addresses DarkSword Vulnerabilities**

Apple has been gradually patching DarkSword vulnerabilities since iOS 18.6, but newer hardware still operating on iOS 18 no longer received these updates due to the company's policy of stopping support for older devices in late 2025. The latest update, iOS 18.7.7, extends critical security patches to a much broader range of devices.

**Eligible Devices for iOS 18.7.7 Update**

The following devices are now compatible with iOS 18.7.7:

* iPhone XR * iPhone XS and Max * All models of the iPhone 11 * Second-generation iPhone SE * All models of the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 * The 16e model * iPad mini (fifth generation) * iPad seventh generation * iPad Air third through fifth generations (M2 and M3 chips) * 11-inch iPad Air with M2 and M3 chips * 13-inch iPad Pro (M4 chip)

**How to Update to iOS 18.7.7 for DarkSword Protection**

Devices with Automatic Updates enabled will receive the update automatically, but users who have automatic updates turned off can manually install the update by:

1. Opening Settings 2. Tapping General 3. Selecting Software Update

With this critical security patch in place, Apple is taking a significant step towards protecting its users from DarkSword attacks. Users on iOS 18 who haven't installed incremental updates may receive multiple vulnerability patches with this one update.

Stay vigilant and keep your devices up to date to avoid falling victim to the DarkSword exploit kit!