Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/07/16/0618255/curl-creator-mulls-nixing-bug-bounty-awards-to-stop-ai-slop?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Curl Creator Mulls Nixing Bug Bounty Awards To Stop AI Slop
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Daniel Stenberg, the creator of curl, considers terminating the bug bounty program due to an influx of low-quality, AI-generated vulnerability reports that overwhelm his small security team. Genuine submissions have drastically decreased, prompting discussions on potential changes to the program’s structure and policies around AI involvement.
Detailed Description: The situation described highlights significant challenges posed by AI-generated content in the context of cybersecurity, specifically in bug bounty programs.
– **Surge in AI-generated reports**: In 2025, reports indicate that low-quality AI-generated submissions account for approximately 20% of all reports, affecting the overall quality and validity of submissions.
– **Decline in genuine vulnerability reports**: The number of actual vulnerabilities reported has dropped to a mere 5%, suggesting that the integrity of bug bounty programs may be at risk due to the influx of AI-assisted submissions.
– **Operational strain on small teams**: Stenberg’s team consists of only seven members, making the review process time-consuming and resource-draining. With the average submission requiring 30 minutes to three hours for evaluation, the recent trend places substantial pressure on already limited personnel.
– **Policy considerations**: Currently, the bug bounty program, managed through HackerOne, requires bug reporters to declare any use of generative AI, but it does not outright prohibit AI-assisted reports. The policy encourages reporters to verify facts independently and cautions against reliance on AI.
– **Future of the bug bounty program**: Stenberg is contemplating potential solutions, such as imposing submission fees or altering the award structure. However, he expresses doubts about the effectiveness of these measures, especially given that many reporters genuinely believe they contribute positively.
This scenario illustrates critical challenges for security and compliance professionals, highlighting the implications of AI on the integrity of vulnerability reporting systems, as well as the need for adaptable policies in evolving technological landscapes. As AI continues to influence processes across security domains, addressing these issues is vital to maintaining effective cybersecurity practices.