Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

AI

Websites go dark as AI exposes critical security flaws

PHP sits underneath popular web design platforms, so the weaknesses potentially affect a vast range of websites

Websites go dark as AI exposes critical security flaws

Websites went dark globally on Wednesday as AI uncovered critical security flaws in PHP, a programming language that underpins a large portion of the internet. PHP runs on the servers of many popular websites, including online stores, news outlets, and government services, making the vulnerabilities potentially widespread. Two major flaws were discovered by security firms Wiz and Calif, who used AI models to scan PHP's code.

The flaws often provided attackers direct access to a server's file system or database, enabling them to take control without needing a password. The US National Security Agency advised organizations to either patch immediately or take their affected systems offline. Major platforms built on other languages or using easy-to-update methods remained operational.

PHP developers released a fix shortly after the flaws were discovered. Experts warn that AI models have made it easier than ever to uncover such vulnerabilities, potentially posing a new kind of cyber threat.

Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at thehindu.com →

More in AI

More from Thursday 22 October →