Adversaries Leverage AI for Vulnerability Exploitation, Augmented Operations, and Initial Access


Since our February 2026 report on AI-related threat activity, Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has continued to track a maturing transition from nascent AI-enabled operations to the industrial-scale application of generative models within adversarial workflows. This report, based on insights derived from Mandiant incident response engagements, Gemini, and GTIG’s proactive research, highlights the dual nature of the current threat environment where AI serves as both a sophisticated engine for adversary operations and a high-value target for attacks. We explore the following developments: Vulnerability Discovery and Exploit Generation; AI-Augmented Development for Defense Evasion; Autonomous Malware Operations; AI-Augmented Research and IO: Obfuscated LLM Access; Supply Chain Attacks.

Read more…
Source: Google Threat Intelligence Group


Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter
The latest cyber security news and insights delivered right to your inbox


Related:

  • Unpatchable vulnerability in Apple chip leaks secret encryption keys

    March 21, 2024

    A newly discovered vulnerability baked into Apple’s M-series of chips allows attackers to extract secret keys from Macs when they perform widely used cryptographic operations, academic researchers have revealed in a paper published Thursday. The flaw—a side channel allowing end-to-end key extractions when Apple chips run implementations of widely used cryptographic protocols—can’t be patched directly because ...

  • Bringing Access Back — Initial Access Brokers Exploit F5 BIG-IP (CVE-2023-46747) and ScreenConnect

    March 21, 2024

    During the course of an intrusion investigation in late October 2023, Mandiant observed novel N-day exploitation of CVE-2023-46747 affecting F5 BIG-IP Traffic Management User Interface. Additionally, in February 2024, Mandiant researchers observed exploitation of Connectwise ScreenConnect CVE-2024-1709 by the same actor. This mix of custom tooling and the SUPERSHELL framework leveraged in these incidents is assessed ...

  • Patch Ivanti Standalone Sentry and Ivanti Neurons for ITSM now

    March 21, 2024

    Ivanti has issued patches for two vulnerabilities. One was discovered in the Ivanti Standalone Sentry, which impacts all supported versions 9.17.0, 9.18.0, and 9.19.0. Older versions are also at risk. The other vulnerability impacts all supported versions of Ivanti Neurons for ITSM—2023.3, 2023.2 and 2023.1, as well as unsupported versions which will need an upgrade before ...

  • Ring doorbell owners warned of bank raiding attack as thieves target Brits

    March 21, 2024

    Home security gadgets like Ring doorbells are increasingly being targeted by cyber crooks and their nasty phishing campaigns. Cybersecurity experts at Trustwave have warned Ring customers – and owners of similar gadgets from other brands – that home security tech is being used against the people its supposed to protect. Read more… Source: The Sun  

  • China’s MSS publicizes typical case to remind public of overseas cyber ransom attacks

    March 21, 2024

    China’s national security authorities publicized on Thursday a typical case of cyber ransom attacks to help raise public awareness over online blackmail and attacks from overseas, which not only affects social stability and economic development but also threatens China’s national security and interests. A Chinese high-tech company recently filed a report through the hotline 12339 about ...

  • Android malware, Android malware and more Android malware

    March 20, 2024

    Among the mobile platforms, Android remains the most popular target operating system for cybercriminals. Last month, Kaspersky wrote a total of four private crimeware reports on Android malware, three of which are summarized below. Tambir Tambir is an Android backdoor that targets users in Turkey. It disguises itself as an IPTV app, but does not manifest any ...