Infostealer Targets OpenClaw AI Agent Configuration Files and Tokens
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- Threats & Incidents
Quick Summary
Cybersecurity researchers have identified an infostealer infection that exfiltrated configuration files and tokens from OpenClaw, an AI agent platform. The malware, likely a variant of Vidar, captured sensitive files such as openclaw.json and device.json, which contain gateway tokens and cryptographic keys. This incident highlights the evolving threat landscape as attackers shift focus from traditional credentials to targeting AI systems, raising significant privacy and security concerns for users and organizations.
The Securityish Brief
Recently, cybersecurity researchers disclosed a significant breach involving an information stealer that successfully exfiltrated configuration files from OpenClaw, an AI agent platform. This incident was reported on February 16, 2026, and is notable for its focus on the operational context of AI agents rather than just traditional browser credentials. The malware, suspected to be a variant of Vidar, utilized a broad file-grabbing routine to capture sensitive data.
The stolen files included openclaw.json, which contains the OpenClaw gateway token along with the victim’s email address and workspace path; device.json, which holds cryptographic keys for secure operations; and soul.md, detailing the agent’s operational principles. The theft of the gateway token poses a risk as it could allow attackers to remotely connect to the victim’s OpenClaw instance if exposed.
This breach is part of a larger trend where infostealers are adapting to target AI systems, reflecting a shift in the cyber threat landscape. As AI agents like OpenClaw gain traction—evidenced by over 200,000 stars on GitHub since its launch in November 2025—attackers are likely to develop dedicated modules to exploit these systems further.
Additionally, security issues with OpenClaw have prompted its maintainers to partner with VirusTotal to enhance security measures, including scanning for malicious skills and auditing configurations. However, vulnerabilities remain, as highlighted by ongoing campaigns that exploit ClawHub’s malicious skills to bypass detection.
As AI skill registries expand, they become increasingly attractive targets for supply chain attacks, necessitating heightened vigilance from users and organizations. The incident underscores the importance of securing AI systems and monitoring for potential breaches, especially as they integrate into professional workflows.
- openclaw.json – Contains details related to the OpenClaw gateway token and the victim’s email address.
- device.json – Holds cryptographic keys for secure pairing and signing operations within the OpenClaw ecosystem.
- soul.md – Contains details of the agent’s core operational principles and ethical boundaries.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly update your OpenClaw software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Monitor your AI agent’s configurations and tokens for any unauthorized access or anomalies.
- Consider implementing additional security measures, such as firewalls, to protect exposed OpenClaw instances.
- Educate your team about the risks associated with AI systems and the importance of safeguarding sensitive data.
- Stay informed about emerging threats targeting AI platforms and adjust your security posture accordingly.
Key Terms & Concepts
- OpenClaw: In this article, OpenClaw refers to an AI agent platform that has recently gained popularity.
- infostealer: An infostealer is a type of malware designed to steal sensitive information from infected systems.
- Vidar: Vidar is an off-the-shelf information stealer known to be active since late 2018.
- gateway token: A gateway token is a credential that allows secure access to a service or application.
- RCE (Remote Code Execution): RCE refers to a vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a remote system.
Read the original article here: https://thehackernews.com/2026/02/infostealer-steals-openclaw-ai-agent.html
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