5 Security Risks of Running Raw OpenClaw (and How to Fix Them)
OpenClaw is an incredible tool. It's also a security nightmare when deployed without guardrails.
We built Clawctl after seeing dozens of misconfigured OpenClaw instances leaking credentials, executing arbitrary code, and failing security audits. Here's what goes wrong — and how to fix it.
Risk 1: Exposed Credentials
The problem: Default OpenClaw configs don't secure API keys properly. Misconfigured reverse proxies expose your Anthropic, OpenAI, and other credentials to anyone who finds your instance.
Real impact: Your LLM bill goes from $50 to $5,000 overnight. Someone else is using your keys.
How Clawctl fixes it:
- Credentials injected at runtime, never stored on disk
- Gateway authentication required for all API access
- Secrets isolated per tenant
Risk 2: No Authentication
The problem: OpenClaw treats localhost connections as trusted. When you deploy behind a reverse proxy, external requests look "local" — bypassing all auth.
Real impact: Anyone who finds your OpenClaw has full control. No password needed.
How Clawctl fixes it:
- 256-bit token authentication on all gateway connections
- No localhost bypass possible
- Rate limiting and brute-force protection
Risk 3: Zero Audit Trail
The problem: Raw OpenClaw doesn't log what it does. When something goes wrong, you can't replay what happened.
Real impact: Security review fails. Compliance says no. Your project gets blocked indefinitely.
How Clawctl fixes it:
- Every prompt, tool call, and output logged
- Searchable audit history
- Deterministic replay for debugging
- Exportable reports for compliance
Risk 4: No Kill Switch
The problem: Once a OpenClaw task starts, there's no easy way to stop it. If your agent starts doing something dangerous, you're along for the ride.
Real impact: Your agent deletes production data. You watch helplessly.
How Clawctl fixes it:
- Real-time kill switch via CLI and dashboard
- Human-in-the-loop approvals for risky actions
- Automatic pausing when limits are exceeded
Risk 5: Rogue API Calls
The problem: OpenClaw can call any external service. Without egress controls, your agent might exfiltrate data, call malicious APIs, or rack up unexpected bills.
Real impact: Data breach. Regulatory fines. Career-limiting moves.
How Clawctl fixes it:
- Egress allowlists — control which domains your agent can reach
- Network policies enforced at the infrastructure level
- Alerts when blocked calls are attempted
The Bottom Line
Running raw OpenClaw in production isn't brave — it's reckless. The risks are real, the consequences are expensive, and the fix is simple.
Clawctl wraps your OpenClaw with enterprise-grade security. Same agent you love. Actually safe to deploy.