Security Audit Tool

OpenClaw can run on your own hardware and execute real tasks-so securing your installation and auditing installed skills is essential. This page explains the openclaw security audit CLI command, when and how to use it, and how it fits with our Security Checklist and Skills Security Audit guides.

🛠️ Tool scope: This is your hub for OpenClaw security auditing-the built-in CLI audit plus manual checklist steps. For full hardening (network, credentials, sandbox, prompt injection), see Security Best Practices. For auditing third-party skills from ClawHub (credential leaks, malware), see Skills Security Audit.

Overview: What Is the Security Audit?

An OpenClaw security audit means:

  • CLI command: When your OpenClaw version supports it, openclaw security audit scans your installation and installed skills for known issues, credential exposure, and policy violations.
  • Checklist-based audit: A manual pass using our Security Checklist-gateway binding, firewall, credentials, sandbox, logging, skills review, and updates.
  • Skills-focused audit: Reviewing ClawHub skills before and after install: source/publisher, version pinning, and running the CLI audit. Security research (e.g. Snyk) has found that a notable portion of ClawHub skills can leak credentials; auditing reduces risk.

Use all three together for personal, business, or enterprise deployments. Start with the Quick Start and Security Checklist, then run openclaw security audit after installing or updating skills.

Running openclaw security audit

When your OpenClaw build includes the security audit subcommand, run:

openclaw security audit

What it does: The command scans your config and installed skills for common security issues-for example hardcoded secrets, insecure permissions, or known bad patterns. Output and exact checks depend on your OpenClaw version; see the official documentation for your release.

When to run it:

  • After every new skill install from ClawHub.
  • After updating OpenClaw or any skill (e.g. after openclaw skills update --all).
  • On a regular schedule (e.g. monthly) as part of security hygiene.
  • After any config change that touches credentials, gateway binding, or tool policies.

Fix any reported issues (e.g. move secrets to environment variables, restrict permissions, or remove a risky skill). Then combine with the Security Checklist and Security Best Practices for full coverage.

Skills and ClawHub Security

Third-party skills from the ClawHub marketplace can introduce credential leaks, malicious code, and supply-chain risks. Snyk reported that approximately 7.1% of analyzed ClawHub skills could leak credentials (e.g. via logging, error messages, or external calls). There have also been reports of malware and fake crypto tools in the marketplace.

What to do:

  • Before installing: review source/publisher, prefer skills with visible source code, and pin versions when you install.
  • After installing: run openclaw security audit and check logs for unexpected network or file access.
  • Use environment variables for API keys and secrets-never hardcode them in config or rely on skills to handle secrets safely.

Full guidance: Skills Security Audit and OpenClaw Skills Security (under Security).

Security Checklist (Manual Audit)

The CLI audit does not replace a full hardening pass. Use our Security Checklist for:

  • ☐ Gateway bound to localhost (or private IP only); never expose the gateway port to the internet.
  • ☐ Firewall rules applied; gateway port not exposed.
  • ☐ Secrets in environment variables or a secrets manager; no secrets in config in version control.
  • ☐ API spending limits set where supported.
  • ☐ Sandbox or tool restrictions enabled as appropriate.
  • ☐ Logging and audit logging configured; log rotation and monitoring.
  • ☐ Installed skills audited; run openclaw security audit and only use trusted or reviewed skills.
  • ☐ Regular update process (e.g. weekly or after security advisories).

Download or print the checklist from Security Checklist. For step-by-step hardening, see Security Best Practices, Network Isolation, and Credential Management.

When to Use This Tool

  • You have just installed OpenClaw and want a post-install security pass (checklist + CLI audit if available).
  • You installed or updated one or more skills and need to verify there are no credential leaks or policy violations.
  • You are preparing for production and want a pre-deployment audit (checklist + openclaw security audit).
  • You run OpenClaw in a business or regulated context and need to document security controls (checklist and audit output).
  • You read about known vulnerabilities or ClawHub incidents and want to re-audit your instance.

Next Steps

Key Resources

Community Links