ChatGPT Custom GPTs abused for ClickFix RAT delivery
Threat actors have reportedly exploited OpenAI's Custom GPT feature to disseminate a sophisticated remote access trojan, ClickFix RAT, through social engineering. The incident involves weaponizing the customization capability to deliver malicious software.
The reported abuse of OpenAI's Custom GPTs for distributing malware highlights a critical challenge in platform security. While custom features aim to enhance user utility and personalization, they also introduce new vectors for malicious activity if not rigorously secured against exploitation. The incident suggests that even seemingly benign customization options can be repurposed for sophisticated attacks.
The method described, involving social engineering to deliver a remote access trojan, underscores the persistent human element in cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Technical safeguards alone are often insufficient when threat actors can manipulate users into initiating downloads or granting access. This incident serves as a reminder that user education and awareness remain crucial alongside platform-level security measures.
For developers and users of AI platforms, this event points to the inherent tension between flexibility and security. Offering extensive customization options can accelerate innovation and meet diverse user needs, but it simultaneously expands the attack surface. Striking the right balance requires continuous monitoring and rapid response to emerging threats within AI ecosystems.
Share this article
Related reading
6 stories
OpenAI Says Sponsored Chats Are The Future – But Publisher Monetization Isn’t A Priority
OpenAI's business model and priorities for custom features, like those abused here, were explored in our earlier report.
HackerRank’s AI interviewer offers a glimpse into what job interviews could become

Business News | The Next Search Frontier: How Ripplix Is Helping Brands Navigate AI Discovery

Anthropic Brings Claude AI Inference to India Through AWS Bedrock – Why It Matters
Superplug AI By Pankaj Malav Et Al: $37 App & Software Launches 2026-Oct-07

