Google Gemini Faces Security Vulnerabilities and Expands Accessibility for Students

Google addresses a significant security vulnerability in Gemini while enhancing accessibility for students.

Key Points

  • • Security flaw in Google Gemini CLI allowed malware execution without user consent.
  • • Google released a fix in version 0.1.14 for the Gemini CLI tool.
  • • Gemini's AI model is now free and has lifted usage limits for educational users.
  • • Students can access powerful tools that enhance learning experiences.

Recent developments regarding Google’s Gemini AI system reveal a critical security vulnerability in its command-line interface (CLI) tool and a significant expansion of free accessibility for students and educators.

A security flaw discovered by cybersecurity firm Tracebit in the Gemini CLI could have allowed malicious actors to execute commands and gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability arose from how the CLI interpreted commands on an allow-list, which allowed hidden malware execution without user consent. Google addressed this issue swiftly, releasing an update (version 0.1.14) to mitigate the risk. The researchers demonstrated that a benign command could be linked with a dangerous one, capable of exfiltrating sensitive information. Users are strongly urged to update their Gemini CLI to this latest version and exercise caution when running unknown or untrusted code.

In parallel, Google announced an exciting enhancement to the accessibility of Gemini's services, specifically through its Gemini for Education program. Starting July 30, 2025, the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model is now free for students and educators, an initiative aimed at democratizing access to powerful AI tools. The previous usage limits for educational accounts have been lifted, allowing for almost unlimited use of Gemini’s advanced features at no cost. Users can now leverage capabilities that enhance their educational tasks and projects across various platforms, including exclusive tools for Android devices and Pixel phones.