OpenClaw improperly parses X-Forwarded-For behind trusted proxies allows client IP spoofing in security decisions

Summary

OpenClaw used left-most X-Forwarded-For values when requests came from configured trusted proxies. In proxy chains that append/preserve header values, this could let attacker-controlled header content influence security decisions tied to client IP.

Affected Packages / Versions

• Package: openclaw (npm)
• Affected: <= 2026.2.19-2
• Patched: 2026.2.21 (planned next release)

Impact

Possible client-IP spoofing in security-sensitive paths (for example auth rate-limit identity and local/private classification) for deployments behind trusted proxies with non-recommended forwarding behavior.

Scope Note

OpenClaw docs recommend reverse proxies overwrite (not append/preserve) inbound forwarding headers. This condition reduces severity.

Fix Commit(s)

• 07039dc089e51589a213ec0d16f8d6f2cd871fa1
• 8877bfd11ec7760b115b2d0d7500a45da2749747

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.21). After npm release is out, publish this advisory.

OpenClaw thanks @AnthonyDiSanti for reporting.