Self-sustaining, self-replicating AI computer viruses are no longer theoretical; open-weight LLMs running locally on compromised GPUs can autonomously detect vulnerabilities, devise tailored attacks, and replicate.

We must prepare for autonomous generative adversaries. Artificial intelligence (AI) agents enable a fundamentally new threat: a worm that generates tailored attack strategies to each target it encounters. The worm parasitically uses compromised machines to run open-weight large language models (LLMs) to sustain its reasoning, or extend its reach for further attacks. ... The worm uses stolen computing power from compromised GPU nodes to host LLMs for generative reasoning. It then uses this reasoning to detect vulnerabilities and devise tailored attacks against additional targets, furthering its spread. The proof-of-concept operates using only an open-weight LLM running on a single, local GPU, with no reliance on vendor APIs that could be monitored or revoked.

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