Using ChatGPT

[hkier]

Ran a scan and saw some unfamiliar entries. I decided to try ChatGPT to assess the threat level of the entries. What follows is the discussion.

you are a ms windows expert.
ChatGPT

I'm knowledgeable about Microsoft Windows and can certainly help answer questions or provide information on various aspects of the operating system. Whether you're having issues, need guidance on using specific features, or have general inquiries, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to assist you!
User
Here is a log from a malware scan.  

O1 - Hosts.ICS: 172.22.32.1 Office.mshome.net # 2028 12 2 26 17 56 22 154
O4 - ActiveSetup: HKLM\..\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}: [StubPath] = C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\120.0.6099.130\Installer\chrmstp.exe --configure-user-settings --verbose-logging --system-level --channel=stable (sign: 'Google LLC')
O4 - HKCU\..\StartupApproved\Run: [MicrosoftEdgeAutoLaunch_714C28AB4397EA795D740F87F6A74828] = C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe --no-startup-window --win-session-start /prefetch:5 (2023/12/01) (sign: 'Microsoft')
O4 - HKLM\..\RunOnce: [msedge_cleanup_{F3017226-FE2A-4295-8BDF-00C3A9A7E4C5}] = C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\120.0.2210.91\Installer\setup.exe --msedgewebview --delete-old-versions --system-level --verbose-logging --on-logon (sign: 'Microsoft')
O4 - HKU\S-1-5-21-1131999113-2063969072-1400252697-1002\..\Run: [MicrosoftEdgeAutoLaunch_AED349F80310A93806E412436BB26E08] = C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe --no-startup-window --win-session-start (User 'Protected') (sign: 'Microsoft')
O22 - Tasks: \Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\Refresh Group Policy Cache - {07369A67-07A6-4608-ABEA-379491CB7C46} - C:\Windows\System32\UpdatePolicy.dll (sign: 'Microsoft')
O23 - Service S3: Google Chrome Elevation Service (GoogleChromeElevationService) - (GoogleChromeElevationService) - C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\120.0.6099.130\elevation_service.exe (sign: 'Google LLC')

reply, "yes" when you have processed this info
ChatGPT

Yes.
User
for each line in the report, 
1) explain the entry
2) determine if a real threat
3) provide a recommended action
ChatGPT

Certainly, let's go through each line of the log from your malware scan:

    O1 - Hosts.ICS: 172.22.32.1 Office.mshome.net
        Explanation: This line indicates an entry in the Hosts.ICS file, which is used by the Internet Connection Sharing feature in Windows. It maps the IP address 172.22.32.1 to the hostname Office.mshome.net.
        Threat Assessment: It's not inherently malicious, but unusual entries could indicate tampering or redirection attempts.
        Recommended Action: Verify if this mapping is expected in your network setup. If not, investigate why it was added.

    O4 - ActiveSetup: HKLM...
        Explanation: This is a registry entry under HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE), part of the Windows Active Setup feature. It's related to the setup configuration of Google Chrome.
        Threat Assessment: Likely not a threat as it's a legitimate entry for Google Chrome.
        Recommended Action: No action needed unless you did not install Google Chrome.

    O4 - HKCU..\StartupApproved\Run: [MicrosoftEdgeAutoLaunch_...]
        Explanation: This is a startup item for the current user (HKCU - HKEY_CURRENT_USER) to auto-launch Microsoft Edge with specific parameters.
        Threat Assessment: It's a standard procedure for Microsoft Edge, not a threat.
        Recommended Action: No action required unless you didn’t enable this feature.

    O4 - HKLM..\RunOnce: [msedge_cleanup_{...}]
        Explanation: A RunOnce registry entry for Microsoft Edge, likely for cleanup or update purposes.
        Threat Assessment: Generally safe, part of routine operations for Edge updates.
        Recommended Action: No action necessary unless you suspect unauthorized modifications.

    O4 - HKU\S-1-5-21-.....\Run: [MicrosoftEdgeAutoLaunch_...]
        Explanation: Similar to the previous Edge entry, but this one is for a specific user profile (HKU - HKEY_USERS).
        Threat Assessment: Normal for Microsoft Edge, not a threat.
        Recommended Action: No action needed unless this startup entry was not set by the user.

    O22 - Tasks: \Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\Refresh Group Policy Cache
        Explanation: A scheduled task related to Windows Update and Group Policy.
        Threat Assessment: It's a legitimate Windows task, not a threat.
        Recommended Action: No action required.

    O23 - Service S3: Google Chrome Elevation Service (GoogleChromeElevationService)
        Explanation: A service entry for Google Chrome, specifically for the elevation service which manages administrative privileges for certain actions.
        Threat Assessment: This is a standard component of Google Chrome, not malicious.
        Recommended Action: No action needed unless you have concerns about Chrome’s installation.

From this log, it appears that there are no immediate threats. However, it's always good practice to be cautious, especially with entries in the hosts file or startup items that you don't recognize or remember setting up. Regular system scans and staying informed about your installed software and system changes can help maintain security.

Looks like it did a pretty good job!
For those who have not used the AI yet, a couple of key points.

1. You need to set the boundaries, "You are an expert xxxxx"
2. Provide the information to be analyzed BUT tell the AI to respond with a confirmation. "Say 'xxxx' when you ave processed the info" This prevents the AI from responding to the data before you can ask the question.
3. Ask your questions(s) or tell the AI what to do with the data.

[dragokas]

Hi, hkier.

I must say the estimate is not bad at all for these particular lines.
However, I would not rely or suggest any AI to analyze such logs for using in practice. There are too much new things, this bot is not aware of.