Critical OpenClaw RCE Vulnerability – 1-Click Remote Code Execution Explained

February 03, 2026    Cybersecurity , Various_news   

Critical OpenClaw Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2026-25253)

Updated February 2026 – A severe remote code execution (RCE) flaw in the open-source AI agent OpenClaw has been publicly confirmed, allowing attackers to compromise systems via a single malicious link. This article breaks down the vulnerability, technical impact, and remediation steps for professional developers and security engineers.

What Is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is a locally-hosted AI agent platform designed to run user-defined automation tasks and integrate with messaging clients. It was formerly known as Clawdbot and briefly as Moltbot before being rebranded. The project gained rapid community adoption due to its ability to execute commands and interact with local resources using AI-driven logic. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Vulnerability Overview

The flaw tracked as CVE-2026-25253 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8. It affects all OpenClaw releases prior to 2026.1.29 and is rooted in improper handling of query parameters and WebSocket connections. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Root Cause

• The OpenClaw Control UI accepts a gatewayUrl parameter from the URL without validation.
• On page load, the UI auto-connects to that URL and sends the stored authentication token as part of the WebSocket handshake.
• Because WebSocket origin headers were not validated, this enables attackers to bypass same-origin protections. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How the Exploit Works

1. An attacker crafts a malicious link that includes a manipulated gatewayUrl parameter.
2. The victim clicks the link while authenticated to OpenClaw’s Control UI.
3. The application automatically sends the victim’s authentication token to a server controlled by the attacker.
4. With this token, the attacker establishes a WebSocket session to the local OpenClaw gateway and bypasses authentication protections.
5. From there, arbitrary commands can be executed with operator-level privileges. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Technical Impact

This vulnerability allows attackers to:

• Hijack a logged-in user session.
• Disable safety prompts and sandbox restrictions.
• Modify configuration settings and execute arbitrary code on the host system. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Confirmed Remediation

The issue has been addressed in OpenClaw version 2026.1.29, released on January 30, 2026. All users and system administrators should immediately upgrade to this version or later. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Upgrade Checklist

• Verify current OpenClaw version: openclaw --version
• Apply the update to 2026.1.29 or higher.
• Rotate all authentication tokens and API keys retained by OpenClaw gateways.
• Review WebSocket handling and origin validation in custom deployments.

Mitigation and Best Practices

To reduce risk beyond patching:

• Isolate the service: Run OpenClaw within hardened containers or on dedicated hosts.
• Restrict inbound connections: Use firewall rules to limit access to the Control UI.
• Token hygiene: Rotate credentials after applying updates.
• User education: Train teams to recognise and avoid interacting with untrusted URLs and emails.

Broader Security Context

Security researchers also warn that the OpenClaw ecosystem has seen a rise in malicious third-party extensions and “skills” distributing malware and credential stealers, amplifying the need for stringent supply chain vetting. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Conclusion

CVE-2026-25253 is a significant remote code execution flaw that underscores fundamental risks in integrations between web interfaces and autonomous agent platforms. Immediate patching combined with robust operational controls is essential for safe deployment of OpenClaw in professional environments.