Openclaw
CVE-2026-28472
HIGH
GHSA-rv39-79c4-7459
Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessCraft WebSocket handshake with auth.token header
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ExploitBypass device identity validation check
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ExecutionConnect to gateway without pairing
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ImpactGain operator access to vulnerable deployment
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A07:2025 - Authentication Failures
ASVS 5.0
V6 - Authentication Authentication required for critical functions
MITRE ATT&CK
1 technique across 1 tactic: Initial Access The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Exploitation Conditions | OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 with WebSocket gateway exposed to network and auth.token presence check enabled without proper validation logic. Attacker must supply a crafted auth.token value during WebSocket handshake. |
| Impact | CVSS 8.1 (HIGH). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: High. Privileges required: None. User interaction: None. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
Openclaw versions up to 2026.2.2 is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 8.1).
RemediationAI
A vendor patch is available — apply it immediately. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in npm
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
This vulnerability (CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function) affects Openclaw. OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 contain a vulnerability in the gateway WebSocket connect handshake in which it allows skipping device identity checks when auth.token is present but not validated. Attackers can connect to the gateway without providing device identity or pairing by exploiting the presence check instead of validation, potentially gaining operator access in vulnerable deployments.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
Lifecycle Timeline
2DescriptionCVE.org
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 contain a vulnerability in the gateway WebSocket connect handshake in which it allows skipping device identity checks when auth.token is present but not validated. Attackers can connect to the gateway without providing device identity or pairing by exploiting the presence check instead of validation, potentially gaining operator access in vulnerable deployments.
Executive ViewAI
Openclaw versions 2026.2.2 and earlier contain a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that could allow unauthorized users to access sensitive functions without proper credentials. This poses a significant risk to any organization running affected versions, potentially exposing data and enabling unauthorized system modifications.
Apply vendor patch. If patching cannot be immediately deployed: implement network-level access controls to limit exposure to Openclaw interfaces; deploy WAF rules to authenticate requests before reaching the application; disable non-essential critical functions if feasible; implement enhanced monitoring for unauthorized access attempts.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications.
Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org
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Unauthenticated access to the noVNC observer interface in OpenClaw's Docker sandbox browser allows anyone who can reach
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OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a shell environment variable injection vulnerability in the system.run func
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Exploit-DB