Censys Exposes DarkSword iOS Exploit Platform and Coruna Crypto Wallet Stealer

Censys has disclosed the inner workings of DarkSword, a commercial platform that sells remote access to iOS devices, along with its associated malware Coruna that targets cryptocurrency wallet recovery keys. The infrastructure was exposed between September 15 and 17, allowing researchers to analyze the full attack chain starting from a WebKit and JavaScriptCore exploit delivered through the browser. After escaping the Safari sandbox and reaching the kernel, the platform deploys three layers including a flag, controller, and main implant. Coruna then scans the device for BIP39-compliant seed phrases stored in photos and Apple Notes across 19 targeted wallet applications such as MetaMask, Phantom, Trust Wallet, Coinbase, Exodus, imToken, Bitpie, and BitKeep. The exposed server contained 11 victim recovery keys, 179 directories of extracted data, and 75 operator accounts, indicating a structured commercial operation with agent accounts, commissions, and device quotas. Confirmed infections affect devices running iOS 16.1 and 16.3.1, while Apple has extended patches to additional iOS 18 devices. Maintaining updated iOS versions remains the primary defense against this threat.

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Censys has revealed the operations of DarkSword, a platform selling remote access to iOS devices, and Coruna, the malware responsible for stealing cryptocurrency wallet recovery keys following successful compromise.

The infrastructure was exposed between September 15 and 17. Entry occurs through the browser, where DarkSword targets WebKit and JavaScriptCore, escapes the Safari sandbox, and reaches the system kernel. From there it installs three layers: a flag, a controller, and the main implant.

Coruna specifically searches for wallet recovery keys—the BIP39 word sequences that can restore access to funds on any device. It scans photos and notes in Apple Notes, transmitting only sequences that pass BIP39 validation. The malware includes 19 modules targeting specific wallets including MetaMask, Phantom, Trust Wallet, Coinbase, Exodus, imToken, Bitpie, and BitKeep. It also collects contacts and photos containing visible seed phrases.

An exposed server copy contained 11 victim recovery keys, 179 directories of extracted device data, and 75 operator accounts. Censys noted these figures do not confirm 179 victims or quantify stolen funds. The control panel shows a commercial setup with agent accounts, commission rates, and device quotas per operator, pointing to a reseller model rather than a single group.

Confirmed active infections affect devices running iOS 16.1 and iOS 16.3.1. Apple has extended patches against DarkSword to additional iOS 18 devices. Keeping systems updated closes the exploited vector.

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