Apple has initiated legal action against OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing trade secrets by recruiting ex-Apple employees and accessing confidential data. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claims former Apple system electrical engineer Chang Liu exploited a security flaw to access sensitive files.
Security Breach via Zero-Day Bug
According to Apple's complaint, Liu utilized a previously unknown zero-day vulnerability to infiltrate Apple's network weeks after leaving the company. This bug allowed unauthorized access to Apple's shared network folders, from which Liu allegedly downloaded confidential product data, engineering presentations, and technical specifications.
Apple has since patched the vulnerability and terminated Liu's access. The company asserts that only Liu exploited this bug, as evidenced by their server logs.
Unauthorized Access and Alleged Collusion
Liu is accused of continuing to access Apple's network storage after his departure, using both his credentials and those of Yu-Ting Peng, a colleague who later joined OpenAI. Apple claims Liu maintained unauthorized access to cloud-based repositories containing proprietary project files.
In a message to Peng, Liu reportedly expressed amusement at his continued access, stating, “LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny.”
Legal Proceedings and Company Responses
Apple's lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks to hold OpenAI accountable for allegedly benefiting from Liu's actions. OpenAI, however, denies any interest in other companies' trade secrets.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges companies face in safeguarding sensitive information and the potential risks associated with employee departures. Apple has not disclosed specifics about the exploited vulnerability or when Liu's access was officially revoked.
TechCrunch's inquiry to Apple regarding the security breach specifics and decommissioning of Liu's credentials went unanswered.
The trial could commence within the year, setting the stage for a significant legal confrontation between two tech industry giants.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/13/apple-says-former-employee-exploited-rare-bug-to-download-confidential-files-after-leaving-for-openai/
