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Exposing Data Vulnerabilities: Indirect Prompt Injection in Writer.com, (from page 20240225.)

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Summary

The vulnerability discovered in Writer.com allows attackers to exfiltrate sensitive user data through indirect prompt injection. By manipulating the language model during document creation, attackers can access private documents and chat histories via hidden payloads on seemingly harmless websites. Despite the disclosure of this issue to Writer.com’s security team, it was not triaged as a security vulnerability. The authors demonstrated the feasibility of this attack by exfiltrating mocked sensitive information. Although Writer.com has since stopped supporting markdown images and clickable links, similar vulnerabilities exist in other systems. The responsible disclosure timeline shows communication between the authors and Writer.com, which ultimately did not acknowledge the severity of the issue.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Data Exfiltration Vulnerability in Writer.com A vulnerability allows attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data via indirect prompt injection. Shift from secure data handling to potential data breaches in LLM applications. Increased regulations and security measures in LLM applications to protect user data. Growing reliance on AI tools for data management and content generation. 5
Increased Security Awareness Public disclosure of vulnerabilities leads to heightened awareness around data security. Change from ignorance of risks to proactive security measures by companies. Companies will adopt more robust security protocols and transparency practices. Heightened public concern over data privacy and security breaches. 4
User Behavior Change Users may become more cautious in sharing sensitive data with AI tools. Users shift from trusting AI applications to exercising caution in data sharing. Users will demand more transparency and control over their data in AI applications. Increased incidents of data breaches leading to user distrust. 4
Adoption of Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks Indirect prompt injection attacks may become more common across various platforms. Change from isolated incidents to a recognized attack vector in AI systems. Wider awareness and countermeasures against prompt injection in AI systems. Growing sophistication of cyber-attacks targeting AI platforms. 4
Reduction in Markdown Functionality Markdown features in Writer.com disabled to mitigate security risks. Move from feature-rich applications to more restricted functionalities for security. Applications will prioritize security over functionality, limiting user capabilities. Ongoing vulnerabilities prompting changes in application capabilities. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Data Exfiltration Vulnerability The potential for sensitive user data to be stolen through indirect prompt injection attacks on Writer.com. 5
Inadequate Security Response Writer.com’s failure to treat the indirect prompt injection as a security vulnerability poses risks to user data. 4
Trust in AI Generated Content Users may unknowingly expose sensitive information when using AI tools for content generation without proper safeguards. 4
Manipulation of Language Models Attackers can exploit language model functionalities to retrieve and exfiltrate confidential information. 5
Dependence on External Sources The reliance on user-provided web sources increases the risk of introducing vulnerabilities through malicious sites. 4
Security Awareness Among Users Users may lack knowledge of the risks associated with using AI tools, making them susceptible to attacks. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Indirect Prompt Injection A new method of exploiting language models to extract sensitive user data through manipulated input sources. 5
Data Exfiltration via Markdown Rendering Using markdown image rendering to covertly send sensitive data to an attacker’s server without user awareness. 5
User Awareness of Security Vulnerabilities A growing awareness among users about security vulnerabilities in content generation platforms. 4
Responsible Disclosure Practices The process of reporting vulnerabilities to companies and the varied responses from them regarding security issues. 4
Manipulation of Language Model Outputs Attackers leveraging the capabilities of language models to override user instructions and extract confidential information. 5
Emerging Threats to LLM Applications Recognition of new types of attacks specifically targeting large language model applications, leading to potential data breaches. 5
Public Disclosure of Security Flaws The act of publishing vulnerabilities to inform the public and promote accountability among organizations. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Indirect Prompt Injection A type of attack that manipulates language models to exfiltrate sensitive user data through hidden instructions. 5
Data Exfiltration Techniques Methods of stealing data from applications, particularly through vulnerabilities in LLMs and document generation tools. 4
Language Model Security Risks Emerging understanding of vulnerabilities in language models that can lead to data breaches and unauthorized access. 5
Markdown Image Rendering Exploits Exploiting markdown rendering to create GET requests that leak sensitive data without user knowledge. 4
Responsible Disclosure Practices Emerging protocols for reporting and addressing security vulnerabilities in software applications. 3

Issues

name description relevancy
Data Exfiltration Vulnerabilities in LLMs The risk of data theft through indirect prompt injection attacks in language models, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user information. 5
Lack of Security Response from SaaS Providers The delay or refusal of companies like Writer.com to address identified security vulnerabilities poses significant risks to user data. 5
Indirect Prompt Injection Techniques Emerging techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities in language models that can be used to manipulate systems and exfiltrate data. 4
User Awareness of Data Security The need for users to be informed about potential vulnerabilities in applications they use, especially regarding sensitive data handling. 4
Evolving Attack Methods in Web Applications The continuous development of new methods for data exfiltration highlights the need for robust security measures in web applications. 4