Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A file exfiltration vulnerability has been identified in the DSPy framework that could allow unauthorized access to local files through specific output field adapters. This issue arises from how the framework parses language model outputs, potentially embedding sensitive file content into outgoing messages.
- Unauthorized file reading is possible.
- This impacts how developers build LLM applications.
- Confirm relevance and scope to internal code.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by influencing the output of a language model to include a file path. This file path, when processed by the Image and Audio output field adapters, allows the attacker to read arbitrary local files. The contents of these files are then base64-encoded and embedded into outgoing messages, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure.
- Unauthenticated network access
- Injecting file path into output
- Sensitive file exfiltration
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
Attackers who can influence language model outputs could exploit a file exfiltration vulnerability in DSPy's Image and Audio output field adapters. This could allow them to read arbitrary local files by injecting a filesystem path into the URL field of parsed Image or Audio typed output. The vulnerability occurs when the JSONAdapter and ChatAdapter parse untrusted language model completions, triggering functions that read and base64-encode local file paths. The contents of these files could then be embedded into outgoing prompt messages sent to an attacker-controlled model endpoint.
- Arbitrary local files.
- Injecting filesystem path into output.
- Exfiltration of sensitive file contents.
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
This vulnerability affects the DSPy library, likely managed by development or platform engineering teams responsible for AI/ML model integrations. The immediate first step is to identify all instances where DSPy is used within applications or services, then confirm their reachability and business criticality to prioritize remediation efforts with the accountable application owners.
- Identify DSPy application owners.
- Verify DSPy library usage and reachability.
- Plan DSPy upgrade or mitigation.
