AI technology uncovers serious flaws in software powering most websites

A security flaw in PHP, the software platform used by more than 70% of websites, has prompted governments and cyber-security agencies to work to contain the risk. The vulnerabilities could be exploited by hackers, and their discovery highlights how widely used internet software can expose many sites to security threats.

PHP developers have released patches for flaws that had remained in the software for years. Cyber-security firm Wiz called the issue the most severe it had detected, while OpenAI described the discovery as one of the most impactful security issues in recent memory; its AI technology was used to find the flaws. PHP powers sites including Wikipedia and online shops.