The OpenClaw Hype: Analysis of Chatter from Open-Source Deep and Dark Web
Bleeping Computer
by Sponsored by FlareFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenClaw, an AI-powered automation framework designed to streamline tasks like email management and scheduling, has surged in popularity due to its modular plugin system, known as ClawHub. However, while it initially gained traction among developers, it has since sparked significant chatter across security research feeds, Telegram channels, and dark web discussions. Flare's analysis reveals that OpenClaw has introduced real supply-chain risks but hasn't yet evolved into a fully weaponized ecosystem for mass exploitation. Instead, the conversation appears driven by hype cycles, early experimentation, and amplification of security research.
The platform's architecture, which allows users to install modular "skills" or plugins, creates a large attack surface similar to browser extension ecosystems or package managers. This modularity has led to concerns about malicious skills being uploaded to ClawHub, potentially delivering infostealers or remote access trojans (RATs). Security researchers have identified critical vulnerabilities in OpenClaw, such as CVE-2026-25253, which enables remote code execution through malicious links. These flaws make the platform a prime target for supply-chain attacks, where attackers can compromise systems without requiring skill installation.
Despite these risks, Flare's telemetry data indicates that OpenClaw has not yet been widely exploited for large-scale criminal operations. Instead, discussions around it often revolve around its potential as a tool for early-stage experimentation and research amplification. Names like ClawDBot and MoltBot have emerged in the same narrative space, frequently framed as malicious derivatives or botnet-like ecosystems. This suggests that while
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Originally published on Bleeping Computer on 2/25/2026