Memory
Sub-technique of AML.T0080 AI Agent Context Poisoning
Description
Adversaries may manipulate the memory of a large language model (LLM) in order to persist changes to the LLM across future chat sessions.
Memory is a common feature in LLMs that allows them to remember information across chat sessions by utilizing a user-specific database. Because the memory is controlled via normal conversations with the user (e.g. "remember my preference for ...") an adversary can inject memories via Direct or Indirect Prompt Injection. Memories may contain malicious instructions (e.g. instructions that leak private conversations) or may promote the adversary's hidden agenda (e.g. manipulating the user).
- ATLAS ID
- AML.T0080.000
- Maturity
- RealizedUsed by real adversaries against AI systems in the wild.
- Platforms
- Generative AIAgentic AI
Mitigations
- AML.M0031Memory Hardening
Memory hardening reduces persistent context poisoning by controlling what an agent may save as memory, preventing saved data from becoming higher-authority instructions, and enabling poisoned records to be identified, quarantined, and rolled back.
- AML.M0035AI Red Team
Attempt to store controlled malicious instructions or preferences in persistent agent memory. Verify authorization, user visibility, integrity validation, expiration, and memory-remediation controls.