Description
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.14 contain a vulnerability in the gateway in which it fails to sanitize internal approval fields in node.invoke parameters, allowing authenticated clients to bypass exec approval gating for system.run commands. Attackers with valid gateway credentials can inject approval control fields to execute arbitrary commands on connected node hosts, potentially compromising developer workstations and CI runners.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2026-9912
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.14 is classified as a critical security flaw. The Base Score of 9.4, according to CVSS 4.0, indicates a high level of severity. The vulnerability allows authenticated clients to bypass the exec approval gating mechanism, enabling the execution of arbitrary commands on connected node hosts. This can lead to the compromise of developer workstations and Continuous Integration (CI) runners.
CVSS Vector Breakdown:
- AV:N (Network Vector): The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- AC:L (Low Complexity): The attack requires low skill or resources.
- AT:N (No Authentication): No additional authentication is required beyond the initial gateway credentials.
- PR:L (Low Privileges): The attacker needs low-level privileges.
- UI:N (No User Interaction): No user interaction is required.
- VC:H (High Confidentiality Impact): The vulnerability can lead to a significant breach of confidentiality.
- VI:H (High Integrity Impact): The vulnerability can lead to a significant breach of integrity.
- VA:H (High Availability Impact): The vulnerability can lead to a significant breach of availability.
- SC:H (High Scope Change): The vulnerability can affect components beyond the initial scope.
- SI:H (High Scope Integrity): The vulnerability can affect the integrity of other components.
- SA:H (High Scope Availability): The vulnerability can affect the availability of other components.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Authenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE): An attacker with valid gateway credentials can inject approval control fields to execute arbitrary commands on connected node hosts.
- Internal Network Exploitation: If an attacker gains access to the internal network and obtains valid gateway credentials, they can exploit this vulnerability to compromise developer workstations and CI runners.
Exploitation Methods:
- Command Injection: By manipulating the
node.invokeparameters, an attacker can inject malicious commands that bypass the exec approval gating mechanism. - Privilege Escalation: Once the attacker gains initial access, they can escalate privileges to execute commands with higher permissions, potentially leading to full system compromise.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.14
Affected Systems:
- Developer workstations running vulnerable versions of OpenClaw.
- CI runners and other systems connected to the OpenClaw gateway.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update Software: Upgrade to OpenClaw version 2026.2.14 or later, which includes the security patch for this vulnerability.
- Credential Management: Ensure that gateway credentials are securely managed and rotated regularly.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the spread of potential attacks.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual activity.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any security breaches.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability in OpenClaw poses a significant risk to organizations using this software, particularly those in the European Union. The potential for arbitrary command execution on developer workstations and CI runners can lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, and disruption of critical services. This underscores the importance of timely patching and robust cybersecurity practices to protect against such threats.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Root Cause: The vulnerability stems from the failure to sanitize internal approval fields in
node.invokeparameters, allowing for command injection. - Exploit Mechanism: An authenticated attacker can manipulate the
node.invokeparameters to bypass the exec approval gating mechanism and execute arbitrary commands.
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor logs for unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious network activity related to the OpenClaw gateway.
Patch Analysis:
- Security Patch: The patch in OpenClaw version 2026.2.14 addresses the vulnerability by properly sanitizing the internal approval fields, preventing command injection.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risk of exploitation and protect their critical assets.