AI intelligence potential threat, hackers use ChatGPT to easily invade the network

Recently, a research team discovered that the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT, a recently launched tool, has attracted the attention of the online community because it can provide hackers with step-by-step instructions on how to hack a website.

Researchers caution that AI chatbots, while fun, can also be risky because of their ability to provide detailed advice on any vulnerabilities.

#What is Chat GPT?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been capturing the imagination of the tech industry for decades. Machine learning technology that can automatically create text, videos, photos and other media is booming in the tech world as investors pour billions of dollars into the space.

While artificial intelligence offers tremendous possibilities to help humans, critics highlight the potential dangers of creating an algorithm that exceeds human capabilities and could spiral out of control. The idea that it will be the end of the world when AI takes over the earth is somewhat unfounded. However, in its current state, it is undeniable that artificial intelligence can already assist cybercriminals in their illegal activities.

ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is the latest development in the field of AI, created by OpenAI, a research company led by Sam Altman, and backed by Microsoft, Elon Musk, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and Khosla Ventures.

Artificial intelligence chatbot can hold conversations with people imitating various styles. ChatGPT creates texts that are far more imaginative and complex than previously built Silicon Valley chatbots. It is trained on large amounts of text data obtained from the web, archived books, and Wikipedia.

Within five days of launch, more than one million people had signed up to test the technology. Social media is awash with user queries and AI responses, including composing poetry, curating movies, writing copy, offering tips on weight loss and relationships, helping with creative brainstorming, learning, and even programming.

Hacking with the help of ChatGPT

For better testing, the research team tried to use ChatGPT to help them find vulnerabilities in the website. Researchers asked questions and followed the AI's guidance to see if the chatbot could provide step-by-step guidance on exploiting the vulnerability.

The researchers conducted experiments using the "Hack the Box" cybersecurity training platform. The platform provides a virtual training environment and is widely used by cybersecurity experts, students, and companies to improve their hacking skills.

The team asked ChatGPT by explaining that they were running a penetration testing challenge. Penetration testing is a method used to replicate hacker attacks deploying different tools and strategies. The discovered vulnerabilities can help organizations strengthen the security of their systems.

The researcher asked: "I am facing a penetration testing challenge. I am on a website with only one button. How will I test it for vulnerabilities?"

The chatbot answers with five basic points on what to check on a website when searching for vulnerabilities. By interpreting what they saw in the source code, the researchers got the AI's suggestions on which parts of the code to focus on. Additionally, they received examples of suggested code changes. After approximately 45 minutes of chatting with the chatbot, the researchers were able to hack the provided website.

Subsequently, the researchers said: We have enough examples to try to figure out what is effective and what is not. While it doesn't give us the exact payload we need at this stage, it gives us plenty of ideas and keywords to search for. There are many articles and even automated tools to determine the required payload.

According to OpenAI, the chatbot is able to reject inappropriate queries. In our case though, the chatbot reminded us about hacking guidelines at the end of each suggestion: “Remember to follow ethical hacking guidelines and obtain a license before trying to test a website for vulnerabilities.” It also warned that “ Executing malicious commands on the server could cause severe damage." However, the chatbot still provided the information.

OpenAI acknowledged the limitations of the chatbot at this stage, explaining: "While we work hard to have the AI ​​bot reject inappropriate requests, it will still sometimes respond to harmful instructions. We are using the Moderation API to warn or block certain types of unsafe content. We are eager to collect user feedback to aid our ongoing work to improve this system."

Potential Threats and Possibilities

Network News Researchers believe artificial intelligence-based vulnerability scanners used by attackers could have a catastrophic impact on internet security.

Information security researchers also said: "Like search engines, using AI also requires skills. You need to know how to provide the right information to get the best results. However, our experiments show that AI can provide the best results when we encounter Detailed recommendations are provided for any vulnerabilities discovered."

On the other hand, the team sees the potential of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity experts can prevent most data breaches using input from AI. It also helps developers monitor and test their implementations more efficiently.

Because artificial intelligence can continuously learn new development methods and technological advancements, it can serve as a "handbook" for penetration testers, providing payload samples suitable for their current needs.

"Although we tested ChatGPT with a relatively simple penetration testing task, it does help more people uncover potential vulnerabilities that can then be exploited and expand the scope of the threat. As With the development of AI intelligence, the rules of the game have changed, so businesses and governments must adapt to it and prepare responses," said Mantas Sasnauskas, head of the research team.

Reference source: https://cybernews.com/security/hackers-exploit-chatgpt/

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