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:
- Oil and Gas Cybersecurity: Industry Overview Part 1
August 8, 2022
The oil and gas industry is no stranger to major cybersecurity attacks, attempting to disrupt operations and services. Most of the best understood attacks against the oil industry are initial attempts to break into the corporate networks of oil companies. Geopolitical tensions can cause major changes not only in physical space, but also in cyberspace. In ...
- New GwisinLocker ransomware encrypts Windows and Linux ESXi servers
August 6, 2022
A new ransomware family called ‘GwisinLocker’ targets South Korean healthcare, industrial, and pharmaceutical companies with Windows and Linux encryptors, including support for encrypting VMware ESXi servers and virtual machines. The new malware is the product of a lesser-known threat actor dubbed Gwisin, which means “ghost” in Korean. The actor is of unknown origin but appears to ...
- Twitter breach exposed anonymous account owners
August 5, 2022
A vulnerability in Twitter’s software that exposed an undetermined number of owners of anonymous accounts to potential identity compromise last year was apparently exploited by a malicious actor, the social media company said Friday. It did not confirm a report that data on 5.4 million users was offered for sale online as a result but said ...
- Taiwanese military reports DDoS in wake of Pelosi visit
August 4, 2022
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed it was hit by a DDoS attack on Wednesday in what has been an eventful week for the island nation, US-Sino relations, and semiconductors. The ministry said the network was attacked around 23:40 with connection restored by 00:30 local time on Thursday. Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng said work on heightening ...
- Attackers leveraging Dark Utilities “C2aaS” platform in malware campaigns
August 4, 2022
In early 2022, a new C2 platform called “Dark Utilities” was established, offering a variety of services such as remote system access, DDoS capabilities and cryptocurrency mining. The operators of the service also established Discord and Telegram communities where they provide technical support and assistance for customers on the platform. Dark Utilities provides payloads consisting of ...
- New Linux malware brute-forces SSH servers to breach networks
August 4, 2022
A new botnet called ‘RapperBot’ is being used in attacks since mid-June 2022, focusing on brute-forcing its way into Linux SSH servers to establish a foothold on the device. The researchers show that RapperBot is based on the Mirai trojan but deviates from the the original malware’s normal behavior, which is uncontrolled propagation to as many ...