What happened
OpenClaw (npm package openclaw) before 2026.8.1 could include deterministic hashes computed over the original, unredacted configuration in redacted configuration responses. When the Gateway password had low entropy and the remaining configuration values were reconstructable, these hashes acted as offline password verifiers: a caller able to obtain the redacted configuration (for example via config.get) could test password candidates offline without going through the rate-limited Gateway authentication path. Recovering the password could grant the documented shared-secret operator authority. Secret references were not affected in the same way. The issue is fixed in 2026.8.1.
Affected versions
OpenClaw: before 2026.8.1 (semver) Fixed: See vendor advisory.
Why it matters
Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.
Detection & mitigation
- Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
- Review affected product exposure and access logs.
Public PoC references
No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.