Auth bypass in Openclaw

CVE-2026-28472

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.

Vulnerability class: Broken Authentication

EPSS: 0.004 (27.8th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 8.1 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-28472?
CVE-2026-28472 is a high-severity vulnerability in Openclaw, classified under Missing Authentication for Critical Function. CVSS score: 8.1/10. Published 2026-03-05.
How severe is CVE-2026-28472?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.1 out of 10.