Google’s Gemini CLI has been misused in a real-world cyberattack. Researchers discovered that a threat actor used the AI coding assistant to build malware, manage a botnet, and solve technical issues during an active campaign.
Instead of writing every command manually, the attacker relied on Gemini CLI to generate code, fix errors, and automate repetitive tasks. The findings show how AI assistants can become powerful tools for cybercriminals when their safety protections are bypassed.
Threat Actor Relied on Gemini CLI
The campaign involved a Russian-speaking threat actor known as bandcampro. Researchers observed more than 200 interactions with Gemini CLI during the operation.
The attacker controlled eight compromised systems at a dental clinic. The campaign also targeted the clinic’s OpenDental database.
Gemini CLI played a much larger role than a standard coding assistant. It generated scripts, answered technical questions, and resolved configuration problems. It also suggested improvements without being asked.
Researchers counted at least 59 unsolicited recommendations from the AI. Many of those suggestions helped improve the attack and reduced the amount of manual work required.
AI Helped Migrate the Botnet
One of the most impressive demonstrations came when the attacker decided to move the command-and-control (C2) server.
The operator gave Gemini CLI a single instruction. The AI then reviewed the migration guide, prepared the necessary files, deployed the replacement server, and configured the new environment.
The migration did not work perfectly at first. Some infected systems failed to reconnect. Gemini identified the issue, recommended shutting down the old server, and restored communications with the bots. Researchers said the entire migration took only six minutes.
A Small Toolkit Powered the Operation
Despite the campaign’s capabilities, the toolkit remained surprisingly small.
Researchers found that the attacker relied on only three text files. Together, they measured roughly 5 KB in size.
One file contained a jailbreak prompt for Gemini CLI. Another stored the command-and-control playbook. The third explained how to rebuild the infrastructure after a migration.
The malware itself was also relatively simple. It used an in-memory Python HTTP server for command-and-control communications. PowerShell agents contacted the server every five seconds to receive instructions.
The malware also included several persistence methods. Depending on system privileges, it used scheduled tasks, WMI event subscriptions, or Windows Registry entries to survive system reboots.
Jailbreak Prompts Bypassed Safety Measures
Researchers stressed that Gemini CLI was not compromised through a software vulnerability.
Instead, the attacker relied on carefully written jailbreak prompts. These prompts convinced the AI that it was helping an authorized penetration tester. As a result, Gemini generated code, managed files, and provided troubleshooting advice throughout the campaign.
However, the safeguards were not completely defeated. When the attacker requested help creating self-propagating malware, Gemini refused to comply.
AI Is Becoming Part of Modern Cyberattacks
The investigation shows how quickly AI tools are becoming part of the cybercriminal toolkit.
Rather than replacing attackers, Gemini CLI made the operation faster and more efficient. It reduced the time needed to write code, troubleshoot problems, deploy infrastructure, and maintain access to compromised systems.
Researchers expect AI assistants to play an even bigger role in future attacks. That makes stronger safeguards, better monitoring, and improved detection increasingly important for organizations using AI-powered development tools.
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