DarkSword iPhone Exploit Leaked Online, Hundreds of Millions at Risk

A major new cybersecurity threat has emerged for iPhone users worldwide, as researchers have uncovered a new hacking tool called DarkSword. According to a joint investigation by Google, Lookout, and iVerify, hundreds of millions of people could be at risk if they have not updated their software recently. DarkSword is an exploit chain; this means the hackers do not just use one trick to get into your phone; they use six different vulnerabilities in a row. By combining these flaws, they can bypass security to gain full control over the device. The attack often starts when a user visits a website using the Safari browser. This method is called a drive-by download, where you do not even have to click a download button to get infected. The risk has escalated further after a working version of the DarkSword exploit chain was publicly leaked on GitHub, lowering the barrier for misuse. iVerify estimates that around 270 million devices are currently vulnerable, specifically those running iOS 18.4 to 18.7.