Researchers identify new P7 DarkSword spyware variant targeting unpatched iPhones

Cybersecurity firm iVerify released a report detailing P7 DarkSword, a new variant of iPhone spyware, 9to5Mac reported. The malware is linked to the DarkSword exploit chain that security experts uncovered earlier this year. [1]

According to 9to5Mac, Google and iVerify previously revealed two advanced iPhone hacking tools called Coruna and DarkSword. Both of these tools chained several iOS vulnerabilities together to compromise Apple devices that were running outdated system versions. [1]

The original DarkSword exploit allowed attackers to deploy additional malware once they compromised an iPhone, 9to5Mac reported. This secondary software granted attackers access to sensitive user data stored on the targeted device. [1]

The discovery highlights the ongoing security risks for mobile device owners who do not install software updates prompt. Keeping iOS updated closes known vulnerabilities that tools such as DarkSword exploit to gain unauthorized access. [1]