CYBERSECURITYApril 2, 20261 min read16 views

Apple Expands iOS 18.7.7 Update to More Devices to Block DarkSword Exploit

Apple has expanded the availability of iOS 18.7.7 to more devices to mitigate the risks from the DarkSword exploit kit, a sophisticated tool used in global cyberattacks.

Apple on Wednesday expanded the availability of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 to a broader range of devices to protect users from the risk posed by a recently disclosed exploit kit known as DarkSword.

"We enabled the availability of iOS 18.7.7 for more devices on April 1, 2026, so users with Automatic Updates turned on can automatically receive important security protections from web attacks called DarkSword," the company said. "The fixes associated with the DarkSword exploit first shipped in 2025."

The update is available for a wide range of devices, including iPhone XR through the latest iPhone 16 models, and various iPad models from iPad Air to iPad Pro (M4). This latest update aims to cover devices that have the capability to update to iOS 26 but are still on older versions.

While Apple is known to backport fixes for older devices depending on the criticality of the vulnerabilities, the move to allow iOS 18 users to patch their devices without having to update to the latest operating system version marks an unusual departure for the tech giant.

The rare step comes weeks after security researchers shared details of DarkSword, which has been used in cyber attacks targeting users in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine since July 2025. The kit targets devices running versions between iOS 18.4 and 18.7.

The attack is triggered when a user visits a compromised website (a watering hole attack). Once launched, the attacks deploy backdoors and dataminers for persistent access and information theft. Reports also link the Russia-linked threat actor COLDRIVER to the use of DarkSword for delivering GHOSTBLADE malware.

As of last week, Apple began issuing Lock Screen notifications to iPhones and iPads running older versions to alert users of web-based attacks and urge them to install the latest updates. Experts warn that with roughly 20% of users still on earlier versions, patching is a critical necessity to defend against the booming exploit market.

Source: The Hacker News

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