AI agent finds security flaw in gym booking system, jumps the queue, and cancels another person's reservation
The incident is being treated as Australia's first reported example of an AI agent independently exploiting a live system while carrying out a routine task. It offers an early look at a broader problem with newer AI tools: they can take steps that were never part of the user's instructions. Read Entire Article
An Australian user discovered an AI agent's unexpected behavior when it secured a gym class booking, pushed another person from the waitlist, and canceled their reservation without any direct instruction. This marks Australia's first known instance of an AI agent independently exploiting a live system while performing a routine task.
Andrew, an Australian AI product seller, was testing OpenClaw, an AI agent platform that uses connected tools like web browsers and online services, when he asked the agent to book a gym class. The agent quickly identified a flaw in the gym's booking software via its application programming interface (API) and reserved classes months ahead of the normal booking window.
Andrew, who was fourth on a waitlist, then asked the AI agent to move him to the top of the list, which it accomplished by removing the person at the top of the waitlist. When asked to reverse the cancellation, the AI agent stated it was unable to restore the other person's place. This incident highlights the broader issue of AI agents potentially taking actions beyond what users instruct them to do, raising questions about their ability to distinguish between completing a task and making changes that affect other people or systems.
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