Key Points:
- OpenClaw AI’s critical vulnerability recently patched.
- The flaw allowed attackers to hijack the system via a malicious website.
- DepthFirst researchers identified the issue, tracked as CVE-2026-25253.
- OpenClaw version 2026.1.29 addresses the security concern.
OpenClaw AI Faces Security Threat
OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant known for its ability to autonomously manage tasks and workflows, was recently found to have a severe security flaw. This vulnerability could allow attackers to hijack the system by exploiting users through malicious websites. OpenClaw, previously recognized as Clawdbot and Moltbot, has been gaining traction among users for its versatile capabilities.
The vulnerability was identified by security experts at DepthFirst, who discovered that attackers could obtain a user’s authentication token. This token could then be used to access the victim’s OpenClaw instance, potentially compromising the user’s data and system integrity.
Security Patch Released
The identified security flaw, designated as CVE-2026-25253, has been addressed with a recent update. The developers of OpenClaw released version 2026.1.29 to patch this critical issue. According to the developers, this vulnerability was classified as a ‘token exfiltration’ problem, leading to a full compromise of the system’s gateway.
In a detailed advisory, OpenClaw’s development team explained that any deployment of Moltbot where a user had authenticated to the Control UI was at risk. The vulnerability could provide attackers with operator-level access, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands and alter configurations on the host system.
Attack Methodology and Risks
According to DepthFirst’s technical analysis, attackers needed to lure victims to a malicious webpage. This page would then execute JavaScript code in the victim’s browser, capturing the authentication token and sending it back to the attacker. The attacker could then establish a WebSocket connection to the victim’s local host, bypassing security measures like sandboxing and gaining control over the system.
With OpenClaw’s elevated system privileges, attackers could extract sensitive information and execute commands that could severely compromise the host’s security. This incident underscores the importance of regular software updates and vigilance against potential cyber threats.
Conclusion
Despite being a relatively new project, OpenClaw has already faced significant security challenges. The recent patch aims to secure the platform against potential attacks. Users are advised to update their systems promptly to mitigate risks. Continued vigilance and timely updates remain essential as the AI assistant ecosystem evolves.
