OpenClaw log poisoning (indirect prompt injection) via WebSocket headers
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
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- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub.
Summary
### Summary In `openclaw` versions prior to `2026.2.13`, OpenClaw logged certain WebSocket request headers (including `Origin` and `User-Agent`) without neutralization or length limits on the "closed before connect" path. If an unauthenticated client can reach the gateway and send crafted header values, those values may be written into core logs. Under workflows where logs are later read or interpreted by an LLM (for example via AI-assisted debugging), this can increase the risk of indirect prompt injection (log poisoning). ### Affected Packages / Versions - Package: `openclaw` (npm) - Affected: `<= 2026.2.12` - Fixed: `>= 2026.2.13` ### Details - Component: `src/gateway/server/ws-connection.ts` - Trigger: WebSocket connection closes before completing the connect/handshake; header values are included in the log message and structured context. ### Impact This issue is primarily an indirect prompt injection risk and depends on downstream log consumption behavior. If you do not feed logs into an LLM or other automation, impact is limited. ### Fix Header values written to gateway logs are now sanitized and truncated (including removal of control/format characters and length limiting). - Fix commits: `d637a263505448bf4505b85535babbfaacedbaac`, `e84318e4bcdc948d92e57fda1eb763a65e1774f0` (PR #15592) ### Workarounds - Upgrade to `[email protected]` or later. - Treat logs as untrusted input when using AI-assisted debugging (sanitize/escape, and do not auto-execute instructions derived from logs). - Restrict gateway network exposure; apply reverse-proxy limits on header size where applicable. Thanks @pkerkhofs for reporting.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | openclaw (npm) | before 2026.2.13 | 2026.2.13 | Patch available | GHSA-g27f-9qjv-22pm |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.13 Fixed in 2026.2.13 Patch available GHSA-g27f-9qjv-22pm
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-g27f-9qjv-22pm openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.13 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-g27f-9qjv-22pm
References
Other 5
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-g27f-9qjv-22pm
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/pull/15592
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/d637a263505448bf4505b85535babbfaacedbaac
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases/tag/v2026.2.13
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences