Microsoft has issued a patch to fix a vulnerability in its Surface hardware that allowed hackers to brick unprotected devices with a single packet. The vulnerability was discovered through a Microsoft AI tool, Microsoft Copilot, which inadvertently revealed the longstanding issue.
The flaw, which has been present in Surface devices since 2012, allowed attackers to send a single packet to the device's network interface, causing it to become unresponsive and potentially leading to a permanent loss of data.
Microsoft has confirmed that the patch has been issued to fix the vulnerability and has advised Surface users to update their devices as soon as possible. The company has not provided further information on the extent of the vulnerability or the number of devices affected.
The discovery of the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates and patches in protecting against potential security threats. It also underscores the potential risks of using AI-powered tools, which can sometimes reveal unintended consequences.