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Emerging AI Risk: AI Becoming (Unintended) Vulnerability Scanner

Emerging AI Risk: Staying ahead of potential threats is no longer just about understanding traditional attack vectors. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), we’re entering a new frontier where the tools designed to help us could inadvertently create new vulnerabilities. A recent observation by the SANS Internet Storm Center highlights this emerging risk in a way that should prompt us all to pause and reflect.

This thought leadership was written by Luis M Ponce De Leon.

Unexpected Behavior Resulting in Emerging AI Risk

Recently, honeypots deployed by the SANS Internet Storm Center, have recorded unusual web traffic from IP addresses associated with OpenAI. This isn’t your typical web traffic—it’s characterized by requests containing a %%target%% pattern, a signature often seen in broken template strings or placeholders. The URLs involved mimic the structures used by attackers when attempting to determine the version of WordPress installations.

What makes this particularly interesting—and concerning—is the speculation that this traffic could be linked to OpenAI’s “Actions” feature. This feature is designed to embed API information into prompts, making AI more interactive and responsive. However, the unintended consequence could be turning OpenAI into a vulnerability scanning tool, systematically probing the web in a way that wasn’t initially intended.

The Potential AI Risk

The implications of this are significant. The high volume of these requests suggests that we may be seeing the start of a systematic scanning effort, possibly automated by AI. If these scans identify and expose vulnerabilities, they could be exploited by malicious actors. The potential misuse of AI tools like this is a stark reminder that even the most advanced technologies carry risks that we must carefully manage.

This situation presents a high-risk scenario. AI, when not carefully monitored and controlled, can unintentionally contribute to cybersecurity threats. This isn’t about bad actors intentionally using AI for harm—it’s about the unintended consequences of innovative technologies.

Recommendations for Moving Forward

So, what can we do? The first step is to acknowledge the risk and take proactive measures. Here are a few steps that organizations can take to safeguard their systems:

1. Monitor AI-Associated Traffic: Implement robust monitoring to analyze traffic from AI-associated IP addresses. Pay special attention to unusual patterns, such as the %%target%% string, which could indicate unintended scanning activity.

2. Implement Filters and Alerts: Set up filters and alerts for traffic that matches suspicious patterns. This will allow your security team to respond quickly to potential threats.

3. Continuously Transform Your Cyber Program: As AI and other new technologies continue to develop, your security strategy must evolve in parallel. This means not only staying informed about the latest developments but also ensuring that your team is equipped to handle these new challenges.

Future-Proofing Your Security in the Age of AI

Looking ahead, flexibility and adaptability are key to securing your organization in this new era of AI. While we have powerful new tools for defense, they can also introduce new AI risks that we must be prepared to manage. Investing in ongoing education and training for your security team is one of the best ways to future-proof your organization against these emerging threats.

By keeping up with the latest developments and continuously transforming your cybersecurity program, you can make sure your organization stays strong and secure, even as new threats emerge. It’s important to remember that security isn’t just about dealing with problems as they come—it’s about being proactive, anticipating potential issues, and being ready to handle them effectively.