CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-100551NVD status: Deferred

OpenClaw: Improper Certificate Validation

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-100551 is a high-severity improper certificate validation vulnerability in OpenClaw, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.3 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 2026.8.11 as the first without the flaw, so updating OpenClaw to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update OpenClaw to 2026.8.11 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  4. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
OpenClawOpenClaw2026.7.1 up to, but not including, 2026.8.112026.8.11

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.09.0CriticalCNA (vulncheck.com)
CVSS 3.18.3HighCNA (vulncheck.com)

Official description

OpenClaw for iOS versions >= 2026.7.1 and < 2026.8.11 do not enforce saved Gateway TLS pins in the Control UI. While native connections enforced the saved Gateway fingerprint, the authenticated Terminal and session Dashboard WebViews omitted it. If a user had accepted a Gateway fingerprint, an attacker able to redirect the same host and port and present a different certificate that is accepted by iOS system trust can serve a replacement Control UI page; opening the Terminal or a session Dashboard then allows that page to read the injected Gateway token or password. The stolen credential can grant operator access, including reading sensitive Gateway state and invoking host-capable tools. This issue is fixed in 2026.8.11.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Certificate Validation

The product does not validate, or incorrectly validates, a certificate.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Certificates should be carefully managed and checked to assure that data are encrypted with the intended owner's public key.
  • If certificate pinning is being used, ensure that all relevant properties of the certificate are fully validated before the certificate is pinned, including the hostname.

More Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-295)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in OpenClaw

All OpenClaw vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities

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