This article examines the security implications of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) sampling feature in the context of a widely used coding copilot application.
MCP is a standard for connecting large language model (LLM) applications to external data sources and tools. We show that, without proper safeguards, malicious MCP servers can exploit the sampling feature for a range of attacks. We demonstrate these risks in practice through three proof-of-concept (PoC) examples conducted within the coding copilot, and discuss strategies for effective prevention.
Read more…
Source: Palo Alto Unit 42
Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter
The latest cyber security news and insights delivered right to your inbox
Related:
- For the win? Offensive research contests on criminal forums
August 29, 2023
If you’re a security researcher who wants to share your innovations and insights with the wider community (and gain some peer recognition into the bargain), you’ve got a few options: present at conferences; write papers, blogs etc. The legitimate side of the house is awash with opportunities. But what if you’re a threat actor, whose research ...
- CISA Releases IOCs Associated with Malicious Barracuda Activity
August 29, 2023
CISA has released additional indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with exploitation of CVE-2023-2868. CVE-2023-2868 is a remote command injection vulnerability affecting Barracuda Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance, versions 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006. Malicious threat actors exploited this vulnerability as a zero day as early as October 2022 to gain access to ESG appliances. Read more… Source: U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure ...
- Deconstructing ransomware, cybercriminals and their modus operandi
August 29, 2023
The problem of ransomware is a seemingly age-old problem that is not going away, at least not any time soon. Governments and law enforcement are banding together to try to battle this issue with financial sanctions and takedowns of the groups behind ransomware attacks but they’re like the mythical beast Hydra – take the head ...
- Leaseweb trying to restore service following cyberattack
August 28, 2023
Cloud provider Leaseweb was forced to take some of its critical systems down to mitigate the effects of an ongoing cyberattack. One of the world’s largest cloud and hosting providers, Leasweb contacted its customers to alert them it spotted “unusual” activity in some parts of its infrastructure. To minimize the potential damages and oust the unauthorized ...
- Personal Data Leaked After Cyber Attack on Maryland Schools
August 28, 2023
Prince George’s County, Md., Public Schools officials said some of the personal data stolen in a recent cyber attack has leaked online. The Washington, D.C., area school system is one of the 20 largest school districts in the U.S., with 201 schools and centers. The school system discovered an attack on its network on Aug. 14, ...
- Poland investigates cyber-attack on rail network
August 26, 2023
Polish intelligence services are investigating a hacking attack on the country’s railways, Polish media say. Hackers broke into railway frequencies to disrupt traffic in the north-west of the country overnight, the Polish Press Agency (PAP) reported on Saturday. The signals were interspersed with recording of Russia’s national anthem and a speech by President Vladimir Putin, the ...

