⚠️ Critical Issue: OpenAI Structured Output Fields Can Be Overridden 🚨

In OpenAI’s models, structured output fields are meant to guide the format and content of responses. However, the descriptions of these fields are treated as part of the context of the query. This means that if you know the field name, you can redefine its purpose by specifying a new meaning in the prompt.

🔴 This behavior is not intended and can lead to issues, such as:

Manipulation of outputs: Redefining a field’s purpose could alter the structured output, leading to inconsistent or misleading results.

Bypassing expected safeguards: Systems that rely on these fields to process specific types of information may be tricked, causing unintended outcomes.

Undermining reliability: While the data model itself remains intact, the interpretation of structured outputs could be manipulated, potentially leading to misuse in applications where the output format is critical.

It’s important to recognize this as a potential misuse scenario. Developers and organizations working with AI should take proactive steps to prevent such unintended behavior:

✅ Recommendations for Mitigation

• Strict prompt validation: Ensure that prompts are properly validated to avoid misuse of structured fields.
• Additional safeguards: Put in place mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized redefinition of field purposes.
• AI system governance: Establish guidelines that ensure the integrity and reliability of structured data processing.

💡 This highlights the need for vigilance in AI development to ensure that systems behave as expected and are not vulnerable to manipulation. Understanding and addressing these risks is key to maintaining trust and security in AI-powered solutions.

• AI Safety
• Structured Output
• Prompt Injection
• OpenAI