Hacking with ChatGPT: Five A.I. Based Attacks for Offensive Security
Summary
TLDRThe video script discusses the dual-edged impact of AI chatbot 'Chat GBT', which utilizes NLP and GPT-3 framework to generate human-like responses. While it aids in code debugging and creation, it's also exploited by attackers for malicious purposes such as finding vulnerabilities, crafting phishing emails, and developing malware. The video highlights the need for security professionals to adapt to AI advancements, emphasizing the importance of both offensive and defensive strategies in cybersecurity.
Takeaways
- 😀 ChatGBT is an AI chat box that utilizes natural language processing (NLP) and the GPT-3 framework to provide human-like responses.
- 🔍 NLP processes human input, and GPT-3 uses over 175 billion data points to understand and answer complex queries.
- 💡 ChatGBT has been praised for its ability to debug and write code, which can also be exploited to find security vulnerabilities.
- 🛡️ Despite built-in safeguards, attackers have found ways to use ChatGBT for malicious purposes, such as finding and exploiting vulnerabilities.
- 👨💻 Security researchers have demonstrated how ChatGBT can be used to identify buffer overflow vulnerabilities in code.
- 🔗 ChatGBT can be instructed to write exploit code for certain challenges, bypassing its safeguards by framing requests as part of ethical hacking exercises.
- 🖥️ The AI can be used to develop various malicious tools, as evidenced by instances on underground forums and cybersecurity reports.
- 🔒 ChatGBT's API has been used to create polymorphic malware that evades signature-based detection by antivirus tools.
- ✉️ The AI's NLP capabilities allow it to craft convincing phishing emails, making it a potential tool for social engineering attacks.
- 🔑 ChatGBT can generate macros and scripts that can be used in phishing attempts to execute malicious actions on the victim's machine.
- 🚀 The upcoming GPT-4, with 170 trillion parameters, is expected to significantly increase the capabilities and potential risks associated with AI in cybersecurity.
Q & A
What is Chat GPT and how does it combine natural language processing with the GPT-3 framework?
-Chat GPT is an AI chat box that utilizes natural language processing (NLP) to understand human input and the GPT-3 framework to generate human-like responses. NLP allows the model to comprehend and process language, while GPT-3, with its vast dataset, helps in finding and providing answers to complex queries.
How does the AI model help in finding vulnerabilities in code?
-The AI model can analyze provided source code and identify bugs or security vulnerabilities. It does this by processing the input through a neural network that mimics the human brain's functioning, offering accurate assessments of potential issues within the code.
What is a 'buffer overflow vulnerability' and how can Chat GPT help in identifying it?
-A 'buffer overflow vulnerability' is a type of security flaw where an application or system processes more input data than it can handle, causing it to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Chat GPT can help identify such vulnerabilities by analyzing code and providing an assessment of potential security risks.
How can Chat GPT be used to exploit a given vulnerability?
-Chat GPT can provide step-by-step instructions and examples of exploit codes that can be utilized to exploit a given vulnerability. It does this by understanding the context of the request, such as a penetration testing challenge, and providing relevant information to help exploit the identified vulnerability.
What is polymorphic malware and how can Chat GPT be used to create it?
-Polymorphic malware is a type of malicious software that changes its code structure every time it is executed, making it difficult to detect by traditional antivirus tools. Chat GPT can be used to create such malware by generating code that varies with each execution, thus evading signature-based detection.
How does Chat GPT's NLP capability enable it to write phishing emails?
-Chat GPT's NLP capability allows it to understand and generate human-like text, which can be used to craft well-written, realistic phishing emails. It can mimic the style and tone of a message to make it appear more legitimate and convincing to potential victims.
What is LOL bin and how can Chat GPT assist in creating macros that utilize it?
-LOL bin refers to 'Living off the Land Binaries,' which are trusted, pre-installed system tools that can be used to spread malware. Chat GPT can assist by generating macros that, when executed, run these trusted binaries to perform malicious actions, such as running a terminal or calculator application.
How does Chat GPT's ability to write code in various languages benefit attackers?
-Attackers can leverage Chat GPT's coding capabilities to create advanced malware and other tools in real-time and in various programming languages. This allows them to develop and deploy malicious software more efficiently, even without extensive programming knowledge.
What is the significance of the upcoming GPT-4 model with 170 trillion parameters compared to Chat GPT's current 175 billion parameters?
-The upcoming GPT-4 model, with 170 trillion parameters, is expected to be significantly more powerful than the current Chat GPT model. This increased capacity will likely enable more complex and nuanced AI capabilities, potentially expanding the attack surface and providing attackers with even more advanced tools and capabilities.
How should security professionals adapt to the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity?
-Security professionals should stay updated with AI advances, think innovatively about using AI for defense, and consider how AI can improve their processes. They should also be prepared for a wider attack surface and the potential for more sophisticated attacks, as AI tools become more accessible and powerful.
What is the potential impact of AI like Chat GPT on the job market for security professionals?
-AI, including Chat GPT, has the potential to automate certain tasks, which could lead to job displacement in some areas. However, it also creates new opportunities for professionals to specialize in AI-driven security solutions, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field.
Outlines
🤖 AI's Role in Cybersecurity: Chat GPT's Capabilities and Vulnerability Exploits
Paragraph 1 introduces Chat GPT as an AI chat box that utilizes natural language processing (NLP) and the GPT-3 framework to generate human-like responses. It highlights the technology's ability to process complex requests and its use in various applications, such as business and code creation. However, it also warns of the dark side, where attackers exploit Chat GPT for malicious purposes, including finding vulnerabilities in code and exploiting them. The paragraph discusses how attackers can bypass Chat GPT's safeguards by framing requests as security research for 'capture the flag' challenges, leading to the discovery of vulnerabilities like buffer overflows. It also mentions how Chat GPT can be used to write and exploit code, as demonstrated by Cyber News researchers who used it to find and exploit a vulnerability in a popular application.
🔒 The Evolution of Malware: Chat GPT's Involvement in Crafting Advanced Cyber Threats
Paragraph 2 delves into how Chat GPT is being used to develop various types of malicious tools, such as a Python script that steals files and uploads them to an FTP server, and a Java program that covertly downloads and runs PuTTY using PowerShell. It also discusses the creation of polymorphic malware, which changes each time it's executed to evade detection by antivirus tools. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of NLP in Chat GPT's ability to generate human-like text, which can be used to craft convincing phishing emails. It also explores the potential for Chat GPT to create macros that can automatically execute when a file is opened, and how these can be used in conjunction with phishing emails to spread malware. The paragraph concludes by noting the rapid advancement of AI capabilities and the need for security professionals to adapt to these changes.
🛡️ The Future of Cybersecurity: Adapting to AI's Offensive and Defensive Potential
Paragraph 3 discusses the broader implications of AI in cybersecurity, noting the increasing attack surface as traditionally complex tasks become accessible to less sophisticated attackers. It mentions the arrival of GPT-4, which will have significantly more parameters than its predecessor,预示着更强大的AI能力。The paragraph calls for security professionals to stay updated with AI advances and to think innovatively about using AI for defense. It also encourages viewers to consider the offensive and defensive uses of AI in security and to share their thoughts, while inviting them to like and subscribe for more content on the topic.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡NLP (Natural Language Processing)
💡GPT-3
💡Neural Network
💡Vulnerabilities
💡Buffer Overflow
💡Exploit
💡Malware
💡Polymorphic Malware
💡Phishing
💡LOL Bin
💡Reverse Shell
Highlights
Chat GBT is an AI chat box that combines natural language processing with the GPT-3 framework to provide human-like responses.
NLP processes human input while GPT-3 uses over 175 billion data points to understand and answer complex queries.
Chat GBT is being used for business ventures, code creation, and other applications due to its advanced capabilities.
Attackers have found ways to use Chat GBT for nefarious purposes, such as exploiting vulnerabilities and creating malware.
Chat GBT can find security vulnerabilities in code when framed as a security researcher's request.
Researchers have demonstrated Chat GBT's ability to find and exploit vulnerabilities in popular applications.
Chat GBT can write complex code in various languages, which can be harnessed to create advanced malware.
Checkpoint discovered instances of attackers using Chat GBT to develop malicious tools within weeks of its release.
Cyber Arc security team used Chat GBT's API to create polymorphic malware that evades antivirus detection.
Chat GBT's NLP capabilities allow it to write marketing materials, sales scripts, and even phishing emails.
Attackers can use Chat GBT to craft realistic phishing emails in any language, making them harder to detect.
Chat GBT can create macros that automatically run applications when a file is opened, facilitating phishing attacks.
Living off the Land (LOL) binaries can be generated using Chat GBT to spread malware using trusted system tools.
Chat GBT can be used to generate code for reverse shells, bypassing firewalls and opening up victims to further attacks.
The upcoming GPT-4 is expected to have 170 trillion parameters, making it 100 times more powerful than Chat GBT.
Security professionals need to keep up with AI advances and consider innovative ways to use AI for defense.
AI is changing the security landscape, with both increased capabilities for attackers and new challenges for defenders.
Transcripts
chat gbt is an AI chat box that combines
the capabilities of natural language
processing with the gpt3 framework to
provide amazing human-like responses to
virtually any request
NLP allows a model to understand human
input while GPT 3 takes on over 175
billion data points to understand and
find the answer to the most complex
Solutions
this means when a request comes in NLP
processes the input and runs it through
a neural network of artificial atoms
that work just like the human brain to
process the answer and present it back
to the user in real time
the hype around chat gbt is very real in
fact it's hard not to stumble upon a
story on how people everywhere are
utilizing the chat box for new business
ventures creating complex code and much
much more
it should come as no surprise then that
attackers are also finding ways to
utilize a chat box for wrongdoing in
fact within weeks of its release it was
discovered on various underground forums
that people are utilizing chat gbt for a
number of different nefarious purposes
in this video we'll take a look at some
of the top five ways that attackers are
using chat GPT today for various kinds
of attacks we'll also take a look at how
to utilize chat GPT to carry out these
attacks and circumvent some of the
built-in security measures to get our
desired results
the first item on our list is finding
vulnerabilities in code you see
programmers everywhere have raved about
chat gpt's unique ability of debugging
and writing code a simple request to
debug the code followed by the code in
question yields a surprisingly accurate
result of bugs or problems in the
provided source code
of course by asking Chachi BT to find
bugs and issues attackers could also
utilize artificial intelligence to find
security vulnerabilities as well chatgpt
does have built-in safeguards to protect
against providing potentially illegal or
unethical responses so asking the chat
box to Simply find a vulnerability will
not be sufficient however if we frame
our requests around being a security
researcher that is looking to answer a
question for a capture the flag
challenge we get the desired result as
demonstrated by security researcher and
Professor Brandon dolan-gavitt we ask a
chat box to solve a capture the flag
challenge we then Supply the source code
to which we need to find the
vulnerability
as Brendan demonstrate the chat box
responds with a shockingly accurate
assessment which after some follow-up
questions yields a buffer overflow
vulnerability in the provided code
several other examples exist all over
the Internet showing how chat gbt is
being utilized to find vulnerabilities
in commercial and open source code
not only does chat gbt provide the
solution but it also offers explanation
of its thought process for educational
purposes
chat gbt's identification and response
is very impressive and it shows how a
traditionally complex step in the attack
process can now be commoditized to be
used by Script kitties and even the most
Junior of hacking enthusiasts
not only can we utilize chat gbt to find
vulnerabilities but we can also use it
to exploit the given vulnerability as
well researchers from Cyber News
recently wrote an article on how they
were able to utilize chat gbt to find a
vulnerability and successfully exploit
that vulnerability to a popular
application again because of its
built-in safeguards we cannot simply ask
chat GPT to find or write an exploit
instead researchers told the chat box
that they were doing a hack the Box pen
testing Challenge and needed to find a
vulnerability in the provided source
code once found they were able to get
step-by-step instructions on where to
focus examples of exploit codes that
they can possibly utilize and samples to
follow as one researcher puts it there
are many articles write-ups and even
automated tools to determine the
required payload we have provided the
right payload with a simple PHP info
command and it managed to adapt and
understand what we are getting just by
providing the right payload in other
words by asking the right requests
chatgpt provided all the tools necessary
to successfully exploit the given
vulnerability the result within 45
minutes security researchers were able
to not only find the vulnerability but
write an exploit to a known application
here we see another example of how a
traditionally long and complex process
can now harness the power of machine
learning to be leveraged by anyone there
are many examples everywhere of how
Chachi PT is being utilized to write
powerful and complex code in virtually
any language with very simple human
requests and while most developers are
worried about how they may be replaced
by artificial intelligence attackers are
already quick at work to harness this
great power to create Advanced malware
and other tools in real time
cyber security company checkpoint
recently identified within three weeks
of chat gbt going live they discovered
multiple instances in underground forums
of attackers utilizing the chat box to
develop different types of malicious
tools in one example we see a user
utilizing chat GPT to write a
python-based dealer that searches common
file types copies them to a random
folder inside of the temp folder zip Sim
and uploads them to a hard-coded FTP
server another example shows chat CPT
creating a Java program that downloads
putty and runs it covertly in the
background using Powershell in this
request we see how they ask a chat box
to have the bytes loaded to memory and
save it as a random name so that it can
operate stealthily in the background to
avoid detection
but perhaps a scariest one of them all
was pointed out by a cyber security team
at Cyber Arc who used chat gpt's API to
create polymorphic malware polymorphic
malware changes every time that it's
executed this means that every victim's
code will look different so that it can
evade signature based detection from
antivirus tools their technical write-up
walks through how they were able to
bypass some of the built-in safeguards
on the web version using API directly
into the python code the end result is a
new type of malware that continues to
change from victim to victim making it
completely undetectable by traditional
antivirus engines
as mentioned earlier one of the things
that makes chat gbt so successful is its
natural language processing or NLP this
allows it to write and respond to
virtually any requests indistinguishable
from a human this is also why chat TPT
has been used to create amazing
marketing and sales materials scripts
for YouTube screenplays and much much
more Chachi BT's amazing capability of
writing well thought out texts can also
be utilized for writing out a phishing
email at scale just like our previous
example however we cannot simply ask a
chat box for a phishing email instead
we'll ask it to craft an email about
year-end bonuses for our targeted
companies we'll then change our writing
sound to be warm and friendly or more
business focused if that's what's
required for the given phishing attempt
we can even ask the chat box to write
the email in the form of a famous person
or celebrity to make it more lifelike
what we end up with is a well-written
thoughtfully created email that can be
used for phishing and if you've ever
seen a real phishing email before you'll
know that oftentimes they're badly
written with broken English however
Chachi PT's unique ability of writing
exceptionally well means that it's
virtually indistinguishable from a human
email this means that attackers from
other countries can now make realistic
phishing emails free of translation
errors in any language they desire
however this is just the beginning of it
Chachi BT is based off of the gp3
learning model which can be trained
offline using local data to write in the
style of real people provided that there
are enough samples of their emails this
means that with enough sample size gpt3
can be trained to write emails in the
same sound and format of the victim in
question with our phishing email in
place we can now take that message and
attach a file like a spreadsheet with
macros again we'll utilize chat gp3 for
this step as well with our well-written
email in place all an attacker would
need to do is embed a link or file into
the email that the victim would click on
again using chat gp3 we can create
macros that can automatically run when a
file like a spreadsheet is open for this
request we'll ask chatgbt to create us a
macro for a regular application like
terminal calculator or any default
application in our example we'll ask a
chat box to provide the code that
automatically runs calculator.exe when a
macro is enabled in Excel keep in mind
that this file could be anything but in
our example we want our request to be
benign so that we can move on to the
next phase of our attack
next we'll use chatgpt to convert this
code to LOL bin LOL bin stands for
living off the land binaries which is a
way of using trusted pre-installed
system tools to spread malware in our
case we'll modify our requests to change
the calculator.exe to a LOL bin the
result is a new macro that runs terminal
when the spreadsheet from our phishing
email was open the next step for an
attacker is to run a basic networking
command like a reverse shell that can
connect back to our desired machine with
an open connection back to an attacker's
machine we've essentially bypassed most
firewalls and open up the victim to many
other kinds of attacks as amazing as
chat gbt is we're only really scratching
the surface of its true capability Chad
gpt's architecture is based off as gpt3
which currently has 175 billion
parameters in late 2023 gp34 will be
arriving with 170 trillion parameters
that's a hundred times more powerful
than chat gbt's current capability what
this means to security organizations and
users alike is that AI is completely
changing the game at a pace that blue
team simply cannot keep up with expect
the attack surface to be much wider now
they're traditionally complex items have
become easy for even script kitties to
deploy this means an increase in less
sophisticated attacks by amateurs
overall
however Advanced attackers have new
capabilities and tools that they
previously did not possess this also
means more advanced kinds of attacks and
zero days overall
Security Professionals everywhere need
to make sure that they're keeping up to
date with AI advances and think of
innovative ways to utilize AI for
defense because rest assured adversaries
are using it for the offensive all of us
need to stop worrying about how AI can
eventually replace our jobs and instead
think of ways to utilize its great
powers to improve our processes overall
AI is of course a hot and controversial
topic so I'm really interested in
hearing your thoughts on this matter
what are some of the ways that you can
think of to utilize chat gbt and other
artificial intelligence models for
offensive and defensive security let me
know down below by entering your
comments
if you haven't already please hit like
down below to give me a boost in the
YouTube algorithm and if you got any
value at all from this video consider
subscribing so you can stay on top of
our latest releases here at the CSO
perspective
until next time this is Andy and thank
you for watching
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)