Copilot to Automatically Insert Harmful Code into All Affected Documents
copilot microsoft
| Source: Dev.to | Original article
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Word may spread harmful content through shared documents. A self-propagating AI worm was found inside the tool.
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Word has been found to be vulnerable to a self-propagating AI worm that can spread through shared documents. As we reported on July 30, 2026, in relation to the Hidden Cost of Embedding Everything at Scale and Copirate 365, the issue allows hidden malicious prompts to be copied into new documents, potentially altering report figures and infecting other files. This vulnerability turns Microsoft Word Copilot into a carrier for AI worms, enabling attacker-controlled instructions to spread silently through enterprise workflows.
The discovery matters because it highlights the risks associated with using AI-powered tools like Copilot for Word, particularly in a business setting where shared documents are common. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unintended changes in documents and the spread of malicious instructions, compromising the integrity of sensitive information.
What to watch next is how Microsoft responds to this vulnerability and whether the company will release a patch to fix the issue. Given that the vulnerability has been known for 144 days, users of Microsoft 365 Copilot for Word should exercise caution when working with shared documents, especially from untrusted sources, to avoid potential infection.
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