DarkSword Exploit Kit Expands to 180 Sites Targeting iPhone Users with Zero-Click Chain

The DarkSword exploit kit has scaled its infrastructure to 180 web properties hosted on 27 servers, enabling zero-click compromise of iPhones running vulnerable iOS versions. Attackers deploy fake pages impersonating Apple, AWS, and other popular services to trigger a six-vulnerability exploit chain that achieves remote code execution, sandbox escape, and privilege escalation on iOS 18.4 through 18.7. Once the device is compromised, GHOSTBLADE components extract data from the Keychain, iCloud files, Wi-Fi passwords, and other stored content before exfiltrating it to attacker-controlled panels. The malware deletes crash reports and forensic logs to hinder analysis and does not establish traditional persistence, limiting the window of data theft to a single visit. Infrastructure rotates rapidly, with five of seven administrative panels observed on July 30, 2026, having appeared only a week earlier, indicating frequent domain and host replacement to evade blocking.

BoletimSecAugust 5, 2026Translated from Portuguese

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The DarkSword exploit kit has significantly expanded its reach, now operating across 180 web properties distributed over 27 servers. The campaign targets iPhone users through malicious pages that mimic legitimate services including Apple and AWS.

Visitors with vulnerable versions of iOS 18.4 to iOS 18.7 can be compromised without any user interaction or file downloads. The kit fingerprints the device and loads tailored modules that chain six vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution, sandbox escape, and privilege escalation directly in the browser.

Following successful exploitation, GHOSTBLADE components harvest sensitive data from the Keychain, iCloud-stored files, Wi-Fi credentials, and other local storage. All stolen information is sent to attacker-controlled dashboards while crash reports and system logs are wiped to obstruct forensic investigation.

The attack does not install persistent implants, yet operators can still exfiltrate substantial volumes of data during the brief active session. Infrastructure changes occur frequently; five of the seven servers displaying administrative panels on July 30, 2026, had not been active the previous week, demonstrating rapid rotation of domains and hosts to evade detection and blocking.

Apple DarkSword GHOSTBLADE

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