Ethical Hacking News
A new vulnerability has been discovered in AI-powered messaging tools that can allow attackers to leak sensitive information without any user interaction, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures to protect these systems from exploitation.
Ai agents can leak sensitive information through zero-click prompt injection, a vulnerability discovered by AI security firm PromptArmor. The issue arises from the use of link previews in messaging platforms that enable AI agents to operate, which can be used to inject malicious prompts. Indirect prompt injection via malicious links is common, but using it against an AI agent with link previews becomes severe when data exfiltration occurs immediately upon response without user interaction. Organizations must take immediate action to protect themselves from potential attacks by implementing robust monitoring and incident response mechanisms. Regular security audits and testing, employee education on AI-powered tool risks, and collaboration with reputable security firms are essential steps in mitigating vulnerabilities.
AI agents have become ubiquitous tools, serving various purposes such as shopping, programming, and even conversing. However, their increasing reliance on human interfaces has also introduced a new vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors. As discovered by AI security firm PromptArmor, AI agents can inadvertently leak sensitive information through zero-click prompt injection, which can occur when these agents meet messaging apps.
In essence, the issue arises from the use of link previews in messaging platforms such as Slack or Telegram, where AI agents are enabled to operate. These link previews, designed to provide a concise and visually appealing representation of links, can also be used to inject malicious prompts into AI systems. The problem becomes even more pronounced when an attacker manages to trick an AI agent into generating a data-leaking URL, which is then fetched by the app.
According to PromptArmor's report, indirect prompt injection via malicious links isn't unusual; however, it typically requires the victim to click on the link after an AI system has been tricked into appending sensitive user data. In contrast, when the same technique is used against an AI agent operating within messaging platforms that enable link previews by default or in specific configurations, the issue becomes much more severe.
"The risk lies in agentic systems with link previews," PromptArmor explained, "as data exfiltration can occur immediately upon the AI agent responding to the user, without the need for any user interaction." This revelation has significant implications for organizations that rely on messaging platforms and AI-powered tools to manage their communication and workflow needs.
The vulnerability highlights the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of AI systems operating within complex networks. It also underscores the significance of awareness about potential vulnerabilities in these systems and the need for proactive measures to mitigate them.
In light of this emerging threat, organizations must take immediate action to protect themselves from potential attacks. Some possible steps include implementing robust monitoring and incident response mechanisms, conducting regular security audits and testing, educating employees on the risks associated with AI-powered tools, and collaborating with reputable security firms to stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
While the introduction of AI agents has brought numerous benefits, their increasing reliance on human interfaces also underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding these systems from malicious actors. It is crucial that organizations remain proactive in addressing potential vulnerabilities and taking steps to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Ai-Agents-Most-Wanted-Vulnerability-The-Risk-of-Malicious-Link-Previews-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/10/ai_agents_messaging_apps_data_leak/
https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/10/ai_agents_messaging_apps_data_leak/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/artificial-intelligence/ai-agents-spill-secrets-just-by-previewing-malicious-links/ar-AA1W4J39
Published: Tue Feb 10 12:50:03 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
