OpenClaw: Reliance on IP Address for Authentication
CVE-2026-3690 is a high-severity reliance on IP address for authentication vulnerability in OpenClaw, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected OpenClaw versions: 2026.2.17. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.84% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 59% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of OpenClaw you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
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
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (trendmicro.com).
Official description
OpenClaw Canvas Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of OpenClaw. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the implementation of the the authentication function for canvas endpoints. The issue results from improper implementation of authentication. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-29311.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Reliance on IP Address for Authentication
The product uses an IP address for authentication.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use other means of identity verification that cannot be simply spoofed. Possibilities include a username/password or certificate. While IP address verification can be a useful part of an authentication scheme, but it should not be the single factor required for authentication.
More Reliance on IP Address for Authentication vulnerabilities (CWE-291)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-vvjh-f6p9-5vcfExploit, Third Party Advisory
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-228/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in OpenClaw
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
Recent Reliance on IP Address for Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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