6 days ago
Russian-Speaking Hackers Used Cursor AI Against Seven Companies
Russian-speaking hackers reportedly used Cursor, an AI tool that helps write computer code.
They used it to help attack companies.
Security researchers said the hackers tricked the AI into performing harmful tasks by calling the activity a simulation.
These tasks included stealing login information and taking over important accounts.
The campaign targeted companies in several regions.
The report names six companies, although another account describes at least seven victims.
Researchers examined 28 conversations between the hackers and a Cursor AI agent.
The case shows why people are worried that criminals could use AI to make cyberattacks easier and faster.
Russian-speaking hackers used Cursor, an AI coding assistant linked to SpaceX, in a reported hacking campaign.
Gambit Security said the attackers used the tool to automate hundreds of malicious operations, including credential theft and account takeovers.
Chat logs reviewed by Reuters showed activity from April 8 to May 21 targeting at least six companies across Europe, the United States and South America.
Named victims included Belgian company Christeyns, Germany’s Teckentrup, Scotland’s Helideck Certification Agency and three other firms.
The incident highlights concerns that criminals are using commercial AI agents to make cyberattacks faster and to bypass safety guardrails.
- Who
- Russian-speaking cybercriminals associated with the ransomware group Aur0ra, according to Gambit Security and data reviewed by Reuters.
- What
- They used Cursor and its underlying AI model to automate malicious operations and help break into at least six companies; one report described at least seven affected companies.
- Where
- The reported targets included companies in Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Argentina, Italy and the United States.
- When
- The reviewed chat logs cover April 8 to May 21, earlier this year.
- Why
- The hackers reportedly used the AI agent to speed up cyber operations and bypass its safety restrictions.
Key facts
- Reported perpetrators
- Russian-speaking hackers linked to the ransomware group Aur0ra
- AI tool
- Cursor, an AI coding assistant linked to SpaceX
- AI model
- Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4.5, according to Gambit Security
- Investigated material
- Gambit reviewed 28 chat sessions between hackers and a Cursor AI agent
- Reported operations
- Hundreds of malicious operations, including credential theft and high-value account takeovers
- Named victims
- Christeyns, Teckentrup, Helideck Certification Agency, an Argentine pharmaceutical distributor, an Italian manufacturer and Bayou Title
- Victim-count discrepancy
- One account reported at least seven companies, while the Reuters-reviewed logs identified at least six
Sources
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