CVE-2026-41353 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting OpenClaw, a software that allows developers to create applications with ease. This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass access controls intended to restrict user profiles. Specifically, it exists in the allowProfiles feature and can be exploited through persistent profile mutation and runtime profile selection. The potential consequences of this flaw include unauthorized access to sensitive information and functionalities.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.6, categorizing it as high severity. This score reflects the vulnerability's potential impact, especially considering the high confidentiality and integrity impacts. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability immediately to prevent exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to restricted profiles, which could lead to data breaches or manipulation of sensitive data. As the vulnerability can be exploited remotely with low complexity, the urgency for defenders is high.
It is essential for organizations using OpenClaw to apply the appropriate patches and updates as soon as they are available. Failure to do so may expose them to significant risks and potential attacks.
Vulnerability Details
OpenClaw before version 2026.3.22 contains an access control bypass vulnerability in the allowProfiles feature that allows attackers to circumvent profile restrictions through persistent profile mutation and runtime profile selection. Remote attackers can exploit this by manipulating browser proxy profiles at runtime to access restricted profiles and bypass intended access controls.
The CVSS score is 7.6, reflective of the high severity level of this vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity required to exploit this vulnerability is low. Attackers need low privileges to execute the exploit, and no user interaction is required. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as high, while the availability impact is nonexistent.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access controls within the allowProfiles feature. Attackers may leverage this flaw by manipulating browser proxy profiles, allowing them to access restricted profiles without authorization. The attack complexity is low, indicating that a wide range of attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. Privileges required for exploitation are low, and user interaction is not necessary, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are both rated as high, indicating that sensitive data could be compromised.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information, which could lead to data breaches or manipulation of critical functions within the application. Organizations using OpenClaw should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability, as the access control bypass could affect multiple profiles and data sets.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impacts, the potential for significant fallout from exploitation is considerable.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of OpenClaw prior to 2026.3.22 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should verify their installed versions and take appropriate action to mitigate any risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the impact of this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by OpenClaw. Specifically, upgrading to version 2026.3.22 or later is crucial. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement temporary workarounds such as restricting access to the allowProfiles feature. Additionally, configuration hardening and regular security assessments are recommended.
Continuous penetration testing can also help in identifying similar weaknesses in the system.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual activities related to profile access and modification. Behavioral anomalies in user access patterns can also be indicators of exploitation attempts. Regular audits of system configurations and access controls will further enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-41353 highlights the need for robust access control mechanisms in application development. This vulnerability underscores a trend where attackers exploit weak access controls to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Security teams must prioritize regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues.
Organizations should learn from this incident and ensure that security is integrated into the software development lifecycle. For more insights, consider reviewing our article on penetration testing methodology to enhance overall security posture.
For organizations using OpenClaw, it's crucial to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities. Regular updates and security training can mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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