CTF AI/ML Attack Techniques
When to Use
- Challenge involves ML model files (.pt, .pth, .safetensors, .onnx, .h5)
- Target is an AI chatbot, LLM-based application, or ML classifier
- Need to craft adversarial examples to fool image/text classifiers
- Challenge provides model weights for analysis or manipulation
- AI/ML platform security testing (model extraction, membership inference)
Quick Start
pip install torch transformers numpy scipy Pillow safetensors scikit-learn
file model.*
python3 -c "import torch; m=torch.load('model.pt'); print(type(m), m.keys() if hasattr(m,'keys') else '')"
Decision Tree
- Model weight file (.pt/.safetensors) → model-attacks.md
- Weight perturbation negation, model inversion, LoRA merging, encoder collision
- Image classifier to fool → adversarial-ml.md
- FGSM, PGD, C&W attacks, adversarial patches, evasion, data poisoning
- LLM/chatbot target → llm-attacks.md
- Prompt injection, jailbreaking, token smuggling, tool use exploitation
- Pure math/crypto inside ML → Switch to
ctf-crypto - Compiled model binary → Switch to
ctf-reverse - Python jail wrapped in chatbot → Switch to
ctf-misc
Pivot Signals
- If challenge is pure cryptography/number theory with no ML →
/ctf-crypto - If reverse engineering compiled inference binary →
/ctf-reverse - If Python sandbox escape inside chatbot wrapper →
/ctf-misc - If web app with AI features (prompt injection via web) →
/ai-security/prompt-injection