Summary:
The rise of generative AI has introduced advanced capabilities but also new security vulnerabilities, including prompt injection attacks. Traditionally, these attacks exploit how AI processes inputs, often requiring permissions for external interactions. However, a newly identified threat known as the "Link Trap" attack demonstrates that sensitive data can be leaked even in restricted environments. This attack involves embedding malicious instructions into prompts, tricking the AI into collecting sensitive data and appending it to a URL disguised as a benign hyperlink. The AI then includes the link in its response, and when the user clicks it, the data is transmitted to the attacker. This clever approach shifts the responsibility for executing the final step of the attack from the AI to the user, leveraging their inherent permissions to bypass security controls.

Security Officer Comments:
Unlike traditional prompt injection attacks, which depend on the AI’s ability to send emails, call APIs, or write to databases, the "Link Trap" attack manipulates basic AI functions such as summarizing queries or generating responses. By combining accurate information with malicious hyperlinks, the attack gains the user’s trust and increases the likelihood of interaction. This method is particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data—such as internal documents or passwords—is provided to the AI, as the attack can exfiltrate information without requiring direct access or additional permissions.

Suggested Corrections:

In addition to hoping that GenAI itself has measures to prevent such attacks, here are some protective measures you can take:

• Inspect the Final Prompt Sent to the AI: Ensure that the prompt does not contain malicious prompt injection content that could instruct the AI to collect information and generate such malicious links.
• Exercise Caution with URLs in AI Responses: If the AI's response includes a URL, be extra cautious. It is best to verify the target URL before opening it to ensure it is from a trusted source.

Link(s):
https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/l/genai-prompt-injection-attack-threat.html