OpenAI‘s recently launched ChatGPT macOS app for Apple Inc.’s Macs had a significant security vulnerability. The app was storing user conversations in plain text, making them easily accessible to unauthorized users. OpenAI has since addressed and resolved this issue.
Security Flaw Uncovered
The security flaw was brought to light by Pedro José Pereira Vieito, who demonstrated on the social media platform Threads how easy it was to access and read the conversations stored in plain text. “The OpenAI ChatGPT app on macOS is not sandboxed and stores all the conversations in plaintext in a non-protected location,” Vieito wrote.
This flaw could have potentially allowed unauthorized parties to access and read the conversations and the data within them, posing a significant privacy risk.
Swift Action by OpenAI
After being alerted to the issue by The Verge, OpenAI took swift action to resolve the problem. The company released an update that encrypts the chats, ensuring conversations are no longer stored in plain text.
“We are aware of this issue and have shipped a new version of the application which encrypts these conversations,” said OpenAI spokesperson Taya Christianson. “We’re committed to providing a helpful user experience while maintaining our high-security standards as our technology evolves.”
Significance of the Security Flaw
This security flaw emerged shortly after a significant development between OpenAI and Apple Inc. In June, Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices, enhancing Siri and introducing new writing tools. This collaboration is part of Apple’s broader push into artificial intelligence.
However, this partnership has raised concerns within Microsoft Corp, a major investor in OpenAI. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss the potential impact of this deal on Microsoft’s AI ambitions. Additionally, the partnership is being further solidified, with former Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller expected to join OpenAI’s board as an observer.
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