CVE-2026-28462 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.13 contain a vulnerability in the browser control API in which it accepts user-supplied output paths for trace and download files without consistently constraining writes to temporary directories. Attackers with API access can exploit path traversal in POST /trace/stop, POST /wait/download, and POST /download endpoints to write files outside intended temp roots.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-28462 affects OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.13 and represents a critical path traversal flaw within the browser control API component. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied output paths when handling trace and download file operations, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate file write operations beyond intended temporary directories. The flaw specifically impacts three key endpoints: POST /trace/stop, POST /wait/download, and POST /download, all of which accept user input that determines file destination paths without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The root cause aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability classification, where inadequate input validation allows attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and write files to arbitrary locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system manipulation and presents significant security risks to affected systems. Attackers with legitimate API access can exploit this weakness to write malicious files to system directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass intended security boundaries by writing files outside the designated temporary root directories, which could result in overwriting critical system files, creating backdoors, or establishing persistent access points within the target environment. This type of attack vector falls under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate API access to execute malicious file operations while potentially maintaining stealth through careful path manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have valid API credentials and access to the affected endpoints, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote code execution flaw. However, the impact remains severe because it allows attackers to write files to locations that may be executed by the system or contain sensitive data. The lack of consistent constraints on temporary directory writes means that even properly authenticated users could abuse this functionality to compromise system integrity. Organizations using OpenClaw versions before 2026.2.13 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation for all user-supplied paths, implementing strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated safe directories, and restricting API access to only necessary personnel. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized file creation in system directories and implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file system modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in API design, as well as the critical need for secure file handling practices in web applications and browser control systems.