A chit-chat between Llama 2 and ChatGPT for the automated creation of exploits

Software exploitation is the process of taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software systems in order to perform unintended activities. Its understanding leads to improved defensive measures and informed decision making about which security mechanisms to prioritize. However, creating a software exploit is typically a time-consuming and manual task that demands a deep understanding of programming, network protocols, operating system internals, and computer architectures. Additionally, it requires the ability to integrate this knowledge through complex reasoning and problem-solving techniques. This paper proposes an approach to tackle the aforementioned problems by encouraging a conversation between Large Language Models (LLMs) with the purpose of generating software exploits. First, the chosen LLMs are provided with the necessary context knowledge, through modern techniques of fine-tuning and prompt engineering. Then, the exploitation methodology is divided into several steps: vulnerable program analysis, identification of the exploit, planning of the exploitation process, discovery of architecture internals, and production of the exploit software. A first Large Language Model (LLM) is designed to ask questions to a second LLM regarding the execution of the above mentioned steps. The final output from the second LLM provides fully automated, functional exploit code. This method demonstrates how two LLMs – one possessing capabilities in exploitation and coding, and the other with expertise in computer architecture – can collaborate to successfully exploit Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Computer Networks
Published
2025-07-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2025.111501
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Advanced Malware Detection Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.97

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A chit-chat between Llama 2 and ChatGPT for the automated creation of exploits

Francesco Caturano, Simon Pietro Romano, Jordan Ciotola, Mario Varlese
2 citations
Computer Networks
Advanced Malware Detection Techniques
2.97
article

A chit-chat between Llama 2 and ChatGPT for the automated creation of exploits

Francesco Caturano, Simon Pietro Romano, Jordan Ciotola, Mario Varlese
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Software exploitation is the process of taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software systems in order to perform unintended activities. Its understanding leads to improved defensive measures and informed decision making about which security mechanisms to prioritize. However, creating a software exploit is typically a time-consuming and manual task that demands a deep understanding of programming, network protocols, operating system internals, and computer architectures. Additionally, it requires the ability to integrate this knowledge through complex reasoning and problem-solving techniques. This paper proposes an approach to tackle the aforementioned problems by encouraging a conversation between Large Language Models (LLMs) with the purpose of generating software exploits. First, the chosen LLMs are provided with the necessary context knowledge, through modern techniques of fine-tuning and prompt engineering. Then, the exploitation methodology is divided into several steps: vulnerable program analysis, identification of the exploit, planning of the exploitation process, discovery of architecture internals, and production of the exploit software. A first Large Language Model (LLM) is designed to ask questions to a second LLM regarding the execution of the above mentioned steps. The final output from the second LLM provides fully automated, functional exploit code. This method demonstrates how two LLMs – one possessing capabilities in exploitation and coding, and the other with expertise in computer architecture – can collaborate to successfully exploit Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities.

Computer NetworksVol. 270
European Space Agency
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Advanced Malware Detection Techniques
2.97
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.