CVE-2026-10281 Overview
CVE-2026-10281 is a missing authentication vulnerability [CWE-287] affecting Enderfga claw-orchestrator versions up to 3.5.5. The flaw resides in the EmbeddedServer function within src/embedded-server.ts, which exposes an API endpoint without proper authentication controls. Remote attackers can interact with the affected endpoint without supplying credentials. A public exploit has been disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic attacks against exposed instances. The maintainer addressed the issue in version 3.5.6 via commit d0b02a800aa0689d9428cc4cc170e0b6589fb2c3.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can reach API functionality exposed by EmbeddedServer, leading to limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected service.
Affected Products
- Enderfga claw-orchestrator versions up to and including 3.5.5
- Component: EmbeddedServer function in src/embedded-server.ts
- Fixed in: claw-orchestrator 3.5.6
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-01 - CVE-2026-10281 published to NVD
- 2026-06-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-10281
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from an authentication control gap in the EmbeddedServer function defined in src/embedded-server.ts. The component exposes an API endpoint reachable over the network without validating the caller's identity. Because no credential check or session validation precedes request handling, any client that can establish a network connection to the service can invoke endpoint functionality. The condition maps to [CWE-287] Improper Authentication and produces low-level impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability dimensions of the exposed service.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of an authentication enforcement layer in the request-handling path of EmbeddedServer. The function accepts and processes inbound API requests without invoking any token, session, or credential verification routine. The upstream patch in commit d0b02a800aa0689d9428cc4cc170e0b6589fb2c3 introduces authentication controls before request processing.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker locates an exposed claw-orchestrator instance running version 3.5.5 or earlier, then issues HTTP requests directly to the API endpoint served by EmbeddedServer. Because the exploit is public, automated scanning against default ports is the most probable real-world delivery method. See the VulDB Vulnerability Details and the GitHub Issue Tracking for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-10281
Indicators of Compromise
- Inbound HTTP requests to the claw-orchestrator API endpoint that lack Authorization headers or session tokens yet receive successful (2xx) responses.
- Access log entries from unfamiliar source IP addresses interacting with EmbeddedServer routes shortly after exposure.
- Unexpected state changes or configuration modifications in claw-orchestrator that do not correlate with authenticated administrator activity.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all running claw-orchestrator instances and identify any reporting a version at or below 3.5.5.
- Review reverse proxy and application logs for anonymous API calls succeeding against EmbeddedServer paths.
- Compare the deployed src/embedded-server.ts against the patched version referenced in commit d0b02a800aa0689d9428cc4cc170e0b6589fb2c3 to confirm the fix is applied.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on API requests to claw-orchestrator that arrive without authentication headers and return non-error status codes.
- Monitor network flows for external sources connecting to claw-orchestrator listener ports that should be internal-only.
- Track process execution and file changes on hosts running claw-orchestrator to identify post-exploitation activity.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-10281
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade claw-orchestrator to version 3.5.6 or later, which contains the authentication fix.
- Restrict network exposure of claw-orchestrator API endpoints to trusted management networks only.
- Audit recent access logs for unauthenticated requests that may indicate prior exploitation.
Patch Information
The maintainer released the fix in claw-orchestrator 3.5.6, published via the GitHub Release Notes. The corrective change is recorded in the GitHub Commit Details under hash d0b02a800aa0689d9428cc4cc170e0b6589fb2c3. Operators should pull the updated package from the GitHub Project Repository and redeploy affected services.
Workarounds
- Place claw-orchestrator behind a reverse proxy that enforces authentication, such as mTLS or an authenticating gateway.
- Bind the EmbeddedServer listener to localhost or a private interface where remote callers cannot reach it.
- Apply firewall rules that allow API connectivity only from approved administrative source addresses until the upgrade is completed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
