May 26, 2023
If you are familiar with ChatGPT, you are likely acquainted with its impressive capabilities and the profound impact it has had on the field of AI. However, it is crucial to understand that ChatGPT operates exclusively as an online tool without internet connectivity. It lacks the ability to access or search for information online, relying solely on its extensive training from a vast dataset. As a result, it is incapable of providing real-time or up-to-date responses. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has implemented content filters to prevent the AI from responding to problematic or inappropriate queries. While the aim is to cover a wide range of questions, these filters are specifically designed to restrict certain types of content. Nevertheless, it is essential to examine the potential for malicious exploitation of ChatGPT and its content filters. One significant concern revolves around the potential to bypass the content filter. Like other chatbots, ChatGPT may have vulnerabilities or blind spots that can be exploited. By persistently insisting and demanding specific content, it is possible to receive functional code that evades the content filter. This allows for the manipulation of code through ChatGPT, generating multiple variations and resulting in a highly elusive and challenging-to-detect polymorphic program. It is worth noting that when using the API, the content filter of the ChatGPT system may not be fully utilized. In the context of malware and ransomware, a four-step process can be employed. Initially, the acquisition of malicious code involves obtaining concise function code to identify files that ransomware could encrypt. ChatGPT has demonstrated its capability to provide the necessary code for typical ransomware actions, such as code injection and file encryption modules.
 However, one drawback of this approach is that once the malware is present on the targeted machine, its malicious nature becomes evident, making it susceptible to detection by security software. To overcome this obstacle, the malware can internally employ the ChatGPT API. By incorporating a Python interpreter, the malware can periodically query ChatGPT for new modules that execute malicious actions, thereby evading detection by converting incoming payloads into text instead of binaries.  Furthermore, by requesting specific functionalities such as code injection, file encryption, or persistence, obtaining new code or modifying existing code becomes straightforward. This leads to the creation of polymorphic malware that does not exhibit malicious behavior or raise suspicions when in memory, making it highly evasive for security products relying on signature-based detection. Additionally, it can bypass measures like anti-malware scanning interfaces (AMSI) since it ultimately executes and runs Python code.  The process includes the validation and execution of the received code. Validation ensures the code’s functionality by establishing scenarios for different actions, ensuring its reliability. Finally, the malware executes the received code using native functions on various platforms, taking the additional precaution of deleting the code to hinder forensic analysis.  The malicious exploitation of ChatGPT’s API within malware presents significant challenges for security professionals, and it is not merely a theoretical scenario but a genuine concern. This field is constantly evolving, demanding continuous vigilance and staying updated with the latest developments. As users refine their queries to achieve optimal results, ChatGPT is likely to become more powerful and intelligent. With cyber-criminals consistently seeking new methods to deceive and target individuals and businesses, it is imperative to remain vigilant and implement comprehensive and robust security measures to mitigate potential risks.
