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Prompt Injection 2.0: Hybrid AI Threats

Authors: Jeremy McHugh, Kristina Ε ekrst, Jon Cefalu

Published: 2025-07-17

arXiv ID: 2507.13169v1

Added to Library: 2025-11-11 14:03 UTC

Red Teaming

πŸ“„ Abstract

Prompt injection attacks, where malicious input is designed to manipulate AI systems into ignoring their original instructions and following unauthorized commands instead, were first discovered by Preamble, Inc. in May 2022 and responsibly disclosed to OpenAI. Over the last three years, these attacks have continued to pose a critical security threat to LLM-integrated systems. The emergence of agentic AI systems, where LLMs autonomously perform multistep tasks through tools and coordination with other agents, has fundamentally transformed the threat landscape. Modern prompt injection attacks can now combine with traditional cybersecurity exploits to create hybrid threats that systematically evade traditional security controls. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Prompt Injection 2.0, examining how prompt injections integrate with Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and other web security vulnerabilities to bypass traditional security measures. We build upon Preamble's foundational research and mitigation technologies, evaluating them against contemporary threats, including AI worms, multi-agent infections, and hybrid cyber-AI attacks. Our analysis incorporates recent benchmarks that demonstrate how traditional web application firewalls, XSS filters, and CSRF tokens fail against AI-enhanced attacks. We also present architectural solutions that combine prompt isolation, runtime security, and privilege separation with novel threat detection capabilities.

πŸ” Key Points

  • Introduction of a comprehensive taxonomy of prompt injection threats, classifying them by delivery vector, attack modality, and propagation behavior, providing a structured framework for understanding these modern cyber threats.
  • Integration of prompt injection attacks with traditional vulnerabilities like XSS and CSRF to form hybrid threats that can bypass standard security measures, showcasing the evolving nature of cyber threats in AI-integrated environments.
  • Evaluation of contemporary mitigation strategies against prompt injection attacks, including patented technologies and architectural defenses, emphasizing the need for layered and adaptive security approaches.
  • Analysis of recent benchmarks that demonstrate failures of current web application security measures against AI-enhanced attacks, highlighting the urgent need for updated defenses.
  • Discussion on the implications of hybrid AI threats for ethical standards, accountability, and regulatory frameworks, underlining their broad societal impact.

πŸ’‘ Why This Paper Matters

This paper provides critical insights into the emerging threats posed by prompt injection attacks, particularly as they evolve into hybrid threats capable of circumventing traditional cybersecurity measures. By outlining a detailed taxonomy and innovative mitigation strategies, it equips researchers and practitioners with the knowledge necessary to enhance the security of AI systems. As AI continues to integrate into various domains, understanding and addressing these threats becomes essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust in AI applications.

🎯 Why It's Interesting for AI Security Researchers

This paper is of paramount interest to AI security researchers as it not only presents a novel classification of prompt injection threats but also intertwines traditional cybersecurity issues with contemporary AI vulnerabilities. The discussion on hybrid threats and their implications for security frameworks offers key insights for developing robust defenses. Furthermore, the exploration of innovative mitigation strategies paves the way for future research and practical applications in securing AI systems against evolving cyber threats.

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