In brief
AI has identified a flaw that could let hackers compromise wildly popular PHP‑based sites, including Wikipedia and online stores. The bug, hidden for years, triggered swift emergency patches from the PHP core team. Cyber‑security firm Wiz called it the most severe ever detected, while OpenAI hailed it as a landmark discovery. Governments and IT experts worldwide are rushing to fix systems and improve safeguards. Users are urged to keep software updated and follow best‑practice security measures.
Governments and cyber‑security agencies worldwide are scrambling to contain a massive flaw in internet technology, after AI tools exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Developers of the PHP platform – which powers more than 70% of websites, including Wikipedia and online shopping sites – have released emergency patches to fix bugs that have lived undetected in the codebase for years.
Cyber‑security firm Wiz described the issue as the 'most severe' ever detected. Meanwhile, OpenAI, whose GPT‑model helped uncover the flaw, called the discovery 'one of the most impactful security issues in recent memory'.
How did AI spot this massive risk on the Internet, and what does it mean for users? BBC technology correspondent Joe Tidy reports the story and explains the implications.
