CVE-2026-42431:
CVE-2026-42431 is a security bypass vulnerability in OpenClaw before version 2026.4.8 that allows authenticated attackers to mutate persistent browser profiles by exploiting the `node.invoke(browser.proxy)` path to circumvent the `browser.request` persistent profile-mutation guard.
Score
A numerical rating that indicates how dangerous this vulnerability is.
8.1High- Published Date:Apr 28, 2026
- CISA KEV Date:*No Data*
- Industries Affected:20
Exploitability
- Score:2.8
- Attack Vector:NETWORK
- Attack Complexity:LOW
- Privileges Required:LOW
- User Interaction:NONE
- Scope:UNCHANGED
Impact
- Score:5.2
- Confidentiality Impact:HIGH
- Integrity Impact:HIGH
- Availability Impact:NONE
Description Preview
CVE-2026-42431 is a security bypass vulnerability in OpenClaw before version 2026.4.8 that allows authenticated attackers to mutate persistent browser profiles by exploiting the `node.invoke(browser.proxy)` path to circumvent the `browser.request` persistent profile-mutation guard.
Overview
CVE-2026-42431 affects OpenClaw prior to version 2026.4.8 and represents an incorrect authorization flaw (CWE-863) in which the `node.invoke(browser.proxy)` execution path does not enforce the persistent profile-mutation guard that protects the `browser.request` pathway. This architectural inconsistency allows a low-privileged remote attacker, under certain preconditions, to bypass access controls and both read and alter persistent browser profile configurations. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality and integrity, with a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 (HIGH) and a CVSS v4.0 score of 7.6 (HIGH).
Remediation
- Users and administrators running OpenClaw should upgrade to version **2026.4.8 or later** immediately, as this release contains the patch that addresses the security bypass. The fix was introduced in commit `d7c3210cd6f5fdfdc1beff4c9541673e814354d5`. Organizations that cannot immediately upgrade should consider restricting access to affected OpenClaw instances at the network perimeter and auditing browser profile configurations for unauthorized modifications as an interim mitigation measure.
References
- - [OpenClaw Patch Commit d7c3210](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/d7c3210cd6f5fdfdc1beff4c9541673e814354d5)
- - [GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-cmfr-9m2r-xwhq](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-cmfr-9m2r-xwhq)
- - [VulnCheck Advisory: OpenClaw Persistent Profile Mutation via node.invoke Browser Proxy Bypass](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-persistent-profile-mutation-via-node-invoke-browser-proxy-bypass)
- - [NVD Entry: CVE-2026-42431](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-42431)
- - [CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/863.html)
Industries Affected
Below is a list of industries most commonly impacted or potentially at risk based on intelligence.