WORDPRESS FLAW WORTH $500K FOUND FOR $25 WITH AI

Security researcher exploited WordPress systems using machine learning assistance at a fraction of typical acquisition costs. Exploit brokers typically command six-figure payments for zero-day remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities, making this discovery significant for threat landscape analysis. The researcher leveraged GPT5.6—an advanced language model—to identify and develop the exploit, demonstrating AI's growing role in security research. The minimal investment required raises questions about vulnerability economics and the accessibility of exploit development. The findings were shared on SLCyber's research center, generating substantial discussion on Hacker News with 78 comments and 141 points, indicating community interest in AI-assisted security research methods. The disclosure underscores WordPress's continued prominence as an attack target and suggests that traditional exploit pricing models may face disruption as AI tools lower barriers to vulnerability discovery and development.