CVE-2026-42438: OpenClaw versions 2026.4.9 before 2026.4.10 contain a sender policy bypass vulnerability in the outbound host-

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-42438?

openclaw: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-42438 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42438 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-42438 affect?

CVE-2026-42438 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). OpenClaw versions 2026.4.9 before 2026.4.10 contain a sender policy bypass vulnerability in the outbound host-media attachment read helper that allows unauthorized local file disclosure. Attackers with denied read access via toolsBySender o

Routine

HIGH 7.7DOWNGRADE

CVE-2026-42438 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.7) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw versions 2026.4.9 before 2026.4.10 contain a sender policy bypass vulnerability in the outbound host-media attachment read helper that allows unauthorized local file disclosure. Attackers with denied read access via toolsBySender or group policy can trigger host-media attachment loading to bypass sender and group-scoped authorization boundaries and retrieve readable local files through the outbound media path.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.7 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 85%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-863
Published	2026-05-05
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: openclaw

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-05 12:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2026.4.9

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2026.4.9

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2026.4.9

npm view openclaw versions npm install openclaw@"<2026.4.9"

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-42438?

openclaw: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42438 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42438 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-42438 affect?

CVE-2026-42438 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.7). OpenClaw versions 2026.4.9 before 2026.4.10 contain a sender policy bypass vulnerability in the outbound host-media attachment read helper that allows unauthorized local file disclosure. Attackers with denied read access via toolsBySender o

How urgent is CVE-2026-42438?

Priority 31/100. High severity

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References

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