Understanding the Email Attack Vector in Google Workspace AI
Jason Martin and Kenneth Yeung at Hidden Layer have released more details on vulnerabilities in Google Workspaces AI. The introduction of AI into widely-used platforms like Gmail and Google Drive can streamline workflows, but it also opens new doors for cyber attackers. These attack exploits are so new and recent 256 Solutions is advising against deep integratition of these tools to our own customers.
A recent discovery highlights a vulnerability known as a “prompt injection attack,” which can specifically exploit email interactions. Here’s what you need to know to protect your organization from this evolving threat.
The vulnerability, which involves prompt injection attacks, underscores a key weakness: AI systems often lack the awareness to distinguish between legitimate inputs and malicious commands hidden in content like emails. These prompt injection attacks work by embedding hidden instructions within an email that prompt the AI to act in unintended ways. For instance, an attacker might send a crafted email that appears harmless but includes coded prompts that manipulate the AI in Gmail or Google Drive to alter content, expose sensitive information, or even assist in phishing schemes. This kind of attack can exploit the AI’s ability to autonomously respond to or process data without human oversight.
How the Attack Works
Let’s break down how this attack vector might play out in a business environment:
Email Delivery: An employee receives an email that appears legitimate but includes hidden commands designed to exploit AI features. Because this email does not contain malware, and likely came from someone that they are already doing business with, the email itself is not flagged as suspicious.
AI Processing: The AI assistant, integrated into Gmail or Drive, processes the content of the email. If there are hidden malicious prompts, the AI may inadvertently act upon them. This happens even if the user never opens the email to read it. If I were to perform this attack, I would probably try to send it in an email that was unlikely to be read, like any number of newsletters that people often ignore anyway.
Manipulation: These hidden commands can manipulate the AI to execute actions, such as changing the text of a document, inserting unauthorized links, or responding to the email with sensitive data.
This vulnerability is particularly concerning because of how easily it can slip through typical defenses like spam filters. The AI, designed to improve efficiency, unknowingly becomes a tool for attackers. The attacker doesn’t need sophisticated code execution—they simply need to understand how to manipulate the AI's prompt processing.
Why This Matters for Your Business
The biggest risk here comes from the growing reliance on AI across many industries. If AI can be tricked into behaving in malicious ways, businesses may unknowingly expose themselves to data breaches, phishing attacks, and even corporate espionage. This new attack vector demonstrates the need for a proactive approach to security, especially as AI becomes more ingrained in everyday business processes.
It’s important to note that while this vulnerability was reported to Google, it was deemed an "intended behavior" and not classified as a security issue. As a result, businesses need to stay vigilant and educate their employees on how these attacks could manifest in daily operations. AI companies like Google and OpenAI have in the past acted this way, dismissing concerning attack vectors as "Working as Designed" without thinking about the real world implications an attack using this could bring.
Options to Protect Your Business
To reduce the risk of prompt injection attacks through email, businesses should consider the following measures:
Option 1 - Don't Use These Agents
Option 2 - See Option 1
Seriously though. These tools are so new and so untested we have absolutely no idea what kind of impact using them will have. We have not even scratched the surface on what they can do, or what kind of damage they could do to our data internally. We are advising our clients to avoid using integrated agents and to be cautious where dealing with AI. This extends to Microsoft's CoPilot. Not to be confused with Microsoft's CoPilot, CoPilot, CoPilot, CoPilot or CoPilot. Seriously Microsoft. Your marketing company couldn't come up with some different names?
The Future of AI and Security
AI is a powerful tool for business, but like all tools, it can be used against us when not properly safeguarded. The Gemini for Workspace vulnerability serves as a reminder that cybersecurity must evolve in tandem with technological innovation. As AI continues to integrate into business operations, we need to be prepared for the new risks that follow.
At 256 Solutions, we believe in proactive cybersecurity. Understanding potential vulnerabilities like this prompt injection attack is essential to keeping your business safe. Reach out to us for a tailored approach to securing your AI-driven workflows and staying one step ahead of cyber threats.
For more details on the technical aspects of this vulnerability, you can read the full research by HiddenLayer. They also go into great detail on a few other aspects of this type of injection attack. I've just focused on the email attack, but there are many others.
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