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The Lethal Trifecta: Understanding the Rise of Prompt Worms in AI Systems



Prompt worms, a new type of self-replicating adversarial prompt, pose a significant threat to the security and integrity of AI systems. The concept of prompt worms is closely related to traditional computer worms, which were first introduced in the late 1980s. However, while traditional worms rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications, prompt worms exploit the core function of AI models: following instructions.

  • Prompt worms are self-replicating adversarial prompts that can spread through networks of communicating AI agents.
  • Prompt worms exploit vulnerabilities in AI models, specifically the lack of moderation on skill extensions, to spread rapidly.
  • The OpenClaw ecosystem has assembled components necessary for a prompt worm outbreak, posing a significant risk to AI system security.
  • Self-replicating prompts pose a threat to AI system security and integrity, even without self-replicating AI models.












  • https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Lethal-Trifecta-Understanding-the-Rise-of-Prompt-Worms-in-AI-Systems-ehn.shtml

  • https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/02/the-rise-of-moltbook-suggests-viral-ai-prompts-may-be-the-next-big-security-threat/

  • https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/moltbook-a-social-network-where-ai-agents-hang-together-may-be-the-most-interesting-place-on-the-internet-right-now/ar-AA1VolX9


    • Published: Tue Feb 3 10:32:18 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M


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