The Proliferation of DarkSword: iOS Exploit Chain Adopted by Multiple Threat Actors

Introduction 

Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has identified a new iOS full-chain exploit that leveraged multiple zero-day vulnerabilities to fully compromise devices. Based on toolmarks in recovered payloads, we believe the exploit chain to be called DarkSword. Since at least November 2025, GTIG has observed multiple commercial surveillance vendors and suspected state-sponsored actors utilizing DarkSword in distinct campaigns. These threat actors have deployed the exploit chain against targets in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine.

DarkSword supports iOS versions 18.4 through 18.7 and utilizes six different vulnerabilities to deploy final-stage payloads. GTIG has identified three distinct malware families deployed following a successful DarkSword compromise: GHOSTBLADE, GHOSTKNIFE, and GHOSTSABER. The proliferation of this single exploit chain across disparate threat actors mirrors the previously discovered Coruna iOS exploit kit. Notably, UNC6353, a suspected Russian espionage group previously observed using Coruna, has recently incorporated DarkSword into their watering hole campaigns.

In this blog post, we examine the uses of DarkSword by these distinct threat actors, provide an analysis of their final-stage payloads, and describe the vulnerabilities leveraged by DarkSword. GTIG reported the vulnerabilities used in DarkSword to Apple in late 2025, and all vulnerabilities were patched with the release of iOS 26.3 (although most were patched prior). We have added domains involved in DarkSword delivery to Safe Browsing, and strongly urge users to update their devices to the latest version of iOS. In instances where an update is not possible, it is recommended that Lockdown Mode be enabled for enhanced security.

This research is published in coordination with our industry partners at Lookout and iVerify.

Discovery Timeline

GTIG has identified several different users of the DarkSword exploit chain dating back to November 2025. In addition to the case studies on DarkSword usage documented in this blog post, we assess it is likely that other commercial surveillance vendors or threat actors may also be using DarkSword.

Saudi Arabian Users Targeted via Snapchat-Themed Website (UNC6748)

In early November 2025, GTIG identified the threat cluster UNC6748 leveraging a Snapchat-themed website, snapshare[.]chat, to target Saudi Arabian users (Figure 2). The landing page on the website included JavaScript code using a mix of obfuscation techniques, and created a new

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