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When PAM Goes Rogue: Malware Uses Authentication Modules for Mischief ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 4 min read Related Products [![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire") * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * [Siddharth Sharma](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/siddharth-sharma/) * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:October 26, 2023 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/malware/) * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/) * [Linux](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/linux/) * [Sandbox](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sandbox/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/linux-pam-apis/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to download") * [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/linux-pam-apis/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg) * [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=When%20PAM%20Goes%20Rogue:%20Malware%20Uses%20Authentication%20Modules%20for%20Mischief&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F "Share in email") * [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F "Share in Facebook") * [![LinkedIn Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-linkedin-share.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F&title=When%20PAM%20Goes%20Rogue:%20Malware%20Uses%20Authentication%20Modules%20for%20Mischief "Share in LinkedIn") * [![Twitter Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F&text=When%20PAM%20Goes%20Rogue:%20Malware%20Uses%20Authentication%20Modules%20for%20Mischief "Share in Twitter") * [![Reddit Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit") * [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=When%20PAM%20Goes%20Rogue:%20Malware%20Uses%20Authentication%20Modules%20for%20Mischief%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Flinux-pam-apis%2F "Share in Mastodon") ## Executive Summary In this article, we'll explore the use of pluggable authentication module (PAM) application programming interfaces (APIs) in malicious software. We'll also demonstrate why keeping an eye on PAM APIs in a sandboxed environment could be useful. PAM is a widely used framework for authentication and authorization on Linux systems. Many popular applications and services on Linux systems rely on PAM and use its APIs for authentication, which includes SSH service, GNOME Display Manager (GDM) and system services such as sudo. The flexible and modular design of PAM makes it an attractive target for attackers, who seek to leverage PAM APIs in malware as a way to intercept or manipulate the authentication process. [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) for Linux monitors and logs PAM API usage for ensuring that potential security threats like credential access are identified and addressed promptly. | **Related Unit 42 Topics** | [**Sandbox**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sandbox/), **[Linux](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/Linux/)** | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| ## Introduction PAM is a flexible and modular authentication framework for Linux systems, which provides a unified method to manage user access and authorization. The modular design of PAM is based on the concept of pluggable modules, which are shared object libraries that handle specific authentication and authorization tasks. These modules can be developed independently and plugged into the PAM framework to extend its functionality. One example of a PAM module is pam\_unix, which is a shared object library that handles authentication and authorization tasks using traditional Unix-style password files (/etc/passwd and /etc/shadow). This module can be plugged into the PAM framework, allowing applications to authenticate users based on their Unix passwords. The PAM framework consists of a central library (libpam) that communicates with various PAM modules. Applications that require authentication or authorization, interact with the central library using PAM APIs, which then delegates the tasks to the appropriate modules. In short, libpam is responsible for loading and managing PAM modules (such as pam\_unix.so) and facilitating communication between applications and the PAM modules. Numerous widely-used applications and services within Linux systems depend on PAM, utilizing its APIs for authentication. These encompass the SSH service, GNOME Display Manager (GDM), and system services like sudo. Figure 1 shows the authentication process for SSH utilizing PAM. ![Image 1 is a framework of the SSH authentication process with PAM. The SSH client connects to the SSH server and from there flows to the PAM modules that authenticate the user.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image1.png) Figure 1. SSH authentication process. Attackers have used the modularity and flexibility of PAM to intercept or manipulate the authentication process. Malware has leveraged PAM APIs to compromise victim systems' security. ## PAM API Usage in Malware The following are some malware families that have used PAM APIs for logging user credentials and establishing remote access. ### Orbit malware The [Orbit malware](https://intezer.com/blog/incident-response/orbit-new-undetected-linux-threat/) was discovered in 2022. It hooks various shared object libraries' APIs, including PAM APIs. The Orbit malware's payload hooks pam\_open\_session, pam\_authenticate and pam\_acct\_mgmt() APIs to log the victim's SSH password in a file. The pam\_open\_session() API initiates a new session for the user upon successful authentication. The pam\_authenticate() API handles the user authentication process, and the pam\_acct\_mgmt() API manages user account information, such as checking if the account is expired or if the user is allowed to access the system at a specific time. ### Azazel rootkit Azazel rootkit is an open-source rootkit that targets older Linux kernels. Azazel is based on the [LD\_PRELOAD](https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/ld.so.8.html) technique. Figure 2 shows how the rootkit uses PAM APIs (pam\_open\_session, pam\_authenticate and pam\_acct\_mgmt()) to allow remote entry into the victim's machine. ![Image 2 is a screenshot of many lines of code. The rootkit of Azazel uses pam\_authenticate, highlighted in a red box, to allow remote entry.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image2.png) Figure 2. Azazel rootkit using pam\_authenticate() API. ### Derusbi malware [Derusbi](https://paper.seebug.org/papers/APT/APT_CyberCriminal_Campagin/2015/2015.12.15.Newcomers_in_the_Derusbi_family/Newcomers-in-the-Derusbi-family.pdf) is a malware family known for targeting both Linux and Windows systems. Threat operators primarily use Derusbi for gaining and maintaining remote access to targeted systems, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information, conduct reconnaissance and perform other malicious activities. The Derusbi malware also employs the LD\_PRELOAD technique to load the malicious shared object library, which exports PAM APIs. ### Skidmap malware [Skidmap malware](https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/19/i/skidmap-linux-malware-uses-rootkit-capabilities-to-hide-cryptocurrency-mining-payload.html) was first seen in 2019 and primarily targets Linux systems for cryptomining. To gain access to the victim machine, Skidmap replaces the legitimate pam\_unix.so library with a malicious one. The malicious pam\_unix.so file accepts a specific password for any user, thus allowing the attackers to log in as any user in the machine. ## Conclusion PAM is a critical component in the Linux system because it offers a standardized, flexible, modular and secure framework for user authentication. Keeping an eye on PAM APIs in a sandboxed environment is crucial for maintaining a secure authentication system and protecting sensitive data. In a secure and isolated environment, monitoring the PAM API with other potentially suspicious activities can aid in detecting malicious attempts that try to tamper with the authentication process through PAM APIs. By closely observing usage of the LD\_PRELOAD environment variable and other related events, you can pinpoint instances where attackers might be trying to interfere with the authentication process by using PAM APIs. ## Advanced WildFire PAM Activity Capture Palo Alto Networks [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire) for Linux monitors and logs PAM API usage to ensure that potential security threats like credential access are identified and addressed promptly. The graph in Figure 3 shows the occurrence of malware (over the course of six months) detected by WildFire that use PAM APIs. ![Image 3 is a chart of the malware using PAM APIs over six months from May 2023 to October 2023.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/image3.png) Figure 3. Malware using PAM APIs (statistics for six months). Palo Alto Networks has shared our findings, including file samples and indicators of compromise, with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA) members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. Learn more about the [Cyber Threat Alliance](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/). ## Indicators of Compromise ### Azazel malware family * SHA256 hash: 2ad5993cf4db52ef72e299590d79dd7414bc3b119f5d8be8274ad89bec4cbbae Back to top ### Tags * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Linux](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/linux/ "Linux") * [Sandbox](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/sandbox/ "Sandbox") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Threat Brief: Cisco IOS XE Web UI Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (Updated)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-cve-2023-20198-cisco-ios-xe/ "Threat Brief: Cisco IOS XE Web UI Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (Updated)") ### Table of Contents * ### Related Articles * [The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "article - table of contents") * [The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "article - table of contents") * [Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Malware Resources ![Pictorial representation of post-exploitation identity misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE. Close-up of a person wearing glasses, with computer code reflected in the lenses.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/12_Security-Technology_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 10, 2026 [#### The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/) * [API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api/ "API") * [Cryptographic](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cryptographic/ "cryptographic") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kubernetes-spiffe-spire-identity-spoofing/ "The Machine With Many Faces: Post-Exploitation Identity Misuse in SPIFFE/SPIRE") ![Pictorial representation of a pay-per-install threat group campaign prodiving infection service for spreading malware. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip, symbolizing data processing and transfer. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-6-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 9, 2026 [#### Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/) * [ARKTunnel](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/arktunnel/ "ARKTunnel") * [C2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/c2/ "C2") * [CL-CRI-1171](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1171/ "CL-CRI-1171") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ppi-network-malware-campaign-analysis/ "Untracked Nightmares: The Threats Hiding Behind Commodity Infrastructure") ![Pictorial representation of attackers using AI tools to target Latin American organizations. 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The scene is illuminated by bright urban lights and digital-like particles, creating a dynamic and futuristic atmosphere.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AdobeStock_768915868-2-1-786x373.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) September 3, 2026 [#### Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/) * [Agentic AI](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agentic-ai/ "Agentic AI") * [ChatGPT](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chatgpt/ "ChatGPT") * [CL-CRI-1131](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cl-cri-1131/ "CL-CRI-1131") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-tool-use-targeting-latam-orgs/ "Attackers Expose Ongoing AI Tool Use Targeting Organizations in Latin America") ![Pictorial representation of vishing campaigns in Microsoft Teams. A digital image of a skull formed by blue binary code on a black background, with scattered ones and zeros and digital noise, symbolizes how stealthy prompt injection attacks can exploit AI logic to bypass security controls.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-5-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 31, 2026 [#### Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/) * [Cloaked Ursa](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/cloaked-ursa/ "Cloaked Ursa") * [Entra ID](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/entra-id/ "Entra ID") * [Microsoft Teams](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/microsoft-teams/ "Microsoft Teams") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/spring-ring-voice-phishing-campaigns/ "Spring Ring: An Inside Look at Voice Phishing Campaigns in Microsoft Teams") ![Pictorial representation of AI-enabled malware. A vibrant digital interface displaying various icons and graphs, resembling a futuristic network or data analysis dashboard. The scene is illuminated with glowing lights and patterns.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1270203474-2-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 25, 2026 [#### The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/) * [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor") * [Bitcoin](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bitcoin/ "Bitcoin") * [DLL hijacking](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/dll-hijacking/ "DLL hijacking") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-enabled-malware-analysis/ "The State of AI-Enabled Malware August 2026: From Brand Abuse to Agentic Execution") ![Pictorial representation of identity abuse through trusted communication channels. Close-up view of a digital screen displaying a glitched and pixelated image of a skull-like shape.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/02_Malware_Category_1920x900-2-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 20, 2026 [#### Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/) * [Authentication](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/authentication/ "authentication") * [Identity theft](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/identity-theft/ "identity theft") * [Malware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/malware/ "malware") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/communication-channel-identity-risks/ "Identity Abuse Through Trusted Communication Channels") ![Pictorial representation of Kimwolf botnet malware family. Digital screen with a warning sign reading "Malware." The background features lines of computer code and graphics, creating a sense of cybersecurity threat.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/07_Malware_Category_1920x900-3-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 11, 2026 [#### Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/) * [Android APK](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/android-apk/ "Android APK") * [Ethereum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ethereum/ "Ethereum") * [HTTP](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/http/ "HTTP") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/kimwolf-v7-botnet-malware/ "Kimwolf v7: An Evolution of the Kimwolf Botnet") ![Pictorial representatiom pf Aeternum's blockchain C2. A close-up of a computer circuit board with a central microchip is depicted. Red digital data streams in the form of glowing binary numbers and arrows appear to flow in and out of the chip. The scene is illuminated with a futuristic blue and red glow.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/04_Malware_Category_1920x900-4-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 10, 2026 [#### The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum's Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/) * [Aeternum](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/aeternum/ "Aeternum") * [Infection chain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/infection-chain/ "infection chain") * [JSON](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/json/ "JSON") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/aeternum-blockchain-c2-analysis/ "The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications") ![Pictorial representation of ChainDrop, a self-propagating npm worm. An artistic depiction of a digital workspace featuring an open laptop with a red virus on the screen.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/03_Malware_Category_1920x900-7-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) August 6, 2026 [#### ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/) * [Blockchain](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blockchain/ "blockchain") * [ChainDrop](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/chaindrop/ "ChainDrop") * [Claude code](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/claude-code/ "Claude code") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chaindrop-npm-worm-analysis/ "ChainDrop: Inside a Self-Propagating npm Worm") ![Pictorial representation of Token-jacking. A person types on a laptop with multiple digital interface elements projected, including an "AI" icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_1246251272-2-786x369.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) August 6, 2026 [#### Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/) * [AI API](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-api/ "AI API") * [AI gateway](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ai-gateway/ "AI gateway") * [API keys](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/api-keys/ "API keys") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-token-jacking/ "Token Jacking: Cybercriminals Could Be Stealing Your AI Resources") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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