Innovative threat techniques are emerging as attackers repurpose mainstream AI assistants for covert communication. Recent findings by Check Point Research (CPR) reveal how xAI’s Grok and Microsoft’s Copilot are being leveraged as command-and-control (C2) relays, allowing attackers to covertly transmit malicious traffic through trusted enterprise platforms.
Utilizing AI Assistants for Command and Control
This novel method, termed ‘AI as a C2 proxy,’ exploits the web-browsing capabilities of these platforms. As corporate networks often treat AI domains as standard traffic, malicious activities can blend in unnoticed, bypassing traditional detection systems. CPR demonstrated how Grok and Copilot can fetch and respond to attacker-controlled URLs, creating a bidirectional channel without needing an API key or account registration.
The attack process is straightforward. Malware on a victim’s device gathers data like user details and software information. This data is then sent to a camouflaged site, such as a ‘Siamese Cat Fan Club’ page. The AI assistant retrieves this page, extracts hidden commands, and instructs the malware accordingly.
Bypassing Security Measures
To avoid detection, CPR discovered that encoding data as high-entropy blobs effectively bypasses AI model checks. In a practical demonstration, CPR used C++ and WebView2, a browser component common on Windows systems, to implement this technique. The program covertly interacts with Grok or Copilot, executing commands without user awareness.
This results in a seamless C2 channel where data is transmitted through URL parameters, and AI-generated outputs carry attacker commands back. CPR responsibly informed Microsoft and xAI about these vulnerabilities, highlighting a growing trend in AI-driven malware.
Implications for Cybersecurity
Beyond this specific C2 abuse, CPR’s research points to a broader trend: AI-driven (AID) malware. Here, AI models are integrated into malware operations, enabling dynamic, context-aware decision-making. This approach makes malware more adaptive and harder to detect.
Three key AID applications pose significant threats: AI-assisted anti-sandbox evasion, AI-augmented C2 servers, and AI-targeted ransomware. Each employs sophisticated AI techniques to bypass traditional security measures, focusing attacks on high-value targets.
CPR’s insights build on their earlier discovery of VoidLink, an AI-generated malware framework, illustrating the increasing role of AI in cyber threats. Defenders must now consider AI domains as critical egress points, monitoring for unusual patterns and integrating AI traffic into security measures.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
These developments signal a structural shift in malware strategies, where AI is not just a tool but an integral part of operations. Security teams must adapt by treating AI services as potential threat vectors and enhancing monitoring and response strategies accordingly.
AI providers need to implement stricter authentication for web features and offer enterprises greater transparency regarding model interactions with external URLs. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and prepared is crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses.
