OpenClaw versions before 2026.8.1 contain a resource exhaustion vulnerability in the Gateway listener that allows unauthenticated clients to retain response sockets by sending WebSocket upgrade requests without matching connection semantics. Attackers can repeatedly send malformed upgrade requests to exhaust listener resources and cause denial of service without consuming the WebSocket pre-auth connection budget.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
None
No data leak
Integrity
None
No data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v4.0