fix(security): harden discovery routing and TLS pins

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Docs: https://docs.openclaw.ai
 
 - Security/Agents: scope CLI process cleanup to owned child PIDs to avoid killing unrelated processes on shared hosts. Thanks @aether-ai-agent.
 - Security: fix Chutes manual OAuth login state validation (thanks @aether-ai-agent). (#16058)
+- Security/Discovery: stop treating Bonjour TXT records as authoritative routing (prefer resolved service endpoints) and prevent discovery from overriding stored TLS pins; autoconnect now requires a previously trusted gateway. Thanks @simecek.
 - macOS: hard-limit unkeyed `openclaw://agent` deep links and ignore `deliver` / `to` / `channel` unless a valid unattended key is provided. Thanks @Cillian-Collins.
 - Plugins: suppress false duplicate plugin id warnings when the same extension is discovered via multiple paths (config/workspace/global vs bundled), while still warning on genuine duplicates. (#16222) Thanks @shadril238.
 - Security/Google Chat: deprecate `users/<email>` allowlists (treat `users/...` as immutable user id only); keep raw email allowlists for usability. Thanks @vincentkoc.

apps/android/app/src/main/java/ai/openclaw/android/NodeRuntime.kt

@@ -405,8 +405,11 @@ class NodeRuntime(context: Context) {
     scope.launch(Dispatchers.Default) {
       gateways.collect { list ->
         if (list.isNotEmpty()) {
-          // Persist the last discovered gateway (best-effort UX parity with iOS).
-          prefs.setLastDiscoveredStableId(list.last().stableId)
+          // Security: don't let an unauthenticated discovery feed continuously steer autoconnect.
+          // UX parity with iOS: only set once when unset.
+          if (lastDiscoveredStableId.value.trim().isEmpty()) {
+            prefs.setLastDiscoveredStableId(list.first().stableId)
+          }
         }
 
         if (didAutoConnect) return@collect
@@ -425,6 +428,11 @@ class NodeRuntime(context: Context) {
         val targetStableId = lastDiscoveredStableId.value.trim()
         if (targetStableId.isEmpty()) return@collect
         val target = list.firstOrNull { it.stableId == targetStableId } ?: return@collect
+
+        // Security: autoconnect only to previously trusted gateways (stored TLS pin).
+        val storedFingerprint = prefs.loadGatewayTlsFingerprint(target.stableId)?.trim().orEmpty()
+        if (storedFingerprint.isEmpty()) return@collect
+
         didAutoConnect = true
         connect(target)
       }

apps/android/app/src/main/java/ai/openclaw/android/node/ConnectionManager.kt

@@ -26,6 +26,59 @@ class ConnectionManager(
   private val hasRecordAudioPermission: () -> Boolean,
   private val manualTls: () -> Boolean,
 ) {
+  companion object {
+    internal fun resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(
+      endpoint: GatewayEndpoint,
+      storedFingerprint: String?,
+      manualTlsEnabled: Boolean,
+    ): GatewayTlsParams? {
+      val stableId = endpoint.stableId
+      val stored = storedFingerprint?.trim().takeIf { !it.isNullOrEmpty() }
+      val isManual = stableId.startsWith("manual|")
+
+      if (isManual) {
+        if (!manualTlsEnabled) return null
+        if (!stored.isNullOrBlank()) {
+          return GatewayTlsParams(
+            required = true,
+            expectedFingerprint = stored,
+            allowTOFU = false,
+            stableId = stableId,
+          )
+        }
+        return GatewayTlsParams(
+          required = true,
+          expectedFingerprint = null,
+          allowTOFU = true,
+          stableId = stableId,
+        )
+      }
+
+      // Prefer stored pins. Never let discovery-provided TXT override a stored fingerprint.
+      if (!stored.isNullOrBlank()) {
+        return GatewayTlsParams(
+          required = true,
+          expectedFingerprint = stored,
+          allowTOFU = false,
+          stableId = stableId,
+        )
+      }
+
+      val hinted = endpoint.tlsEnabled || !endpoint.tlsFingerprintSha256.isNullOrBlank()
+      if (hinted) {
+        // TXT is unauthenticated. Do not treat the advertised fingerprint as authoritative.
+        return GatewayTlsParams(
+          required = true,
+          expectedFingerprint = null,
+          allowTOFU = true,
+          stableId = stableId,
+        )
+      }
+
+      return null
+    }
+  }
+
   fun buildInvokeCommands(): List<String> =
     buildList {
       add(OpenClawCanvasCommand.Present.rawValue)
@@ -130,37 +183,6 @@ class ConnectionManager(
 
   fun resolveTlsParams(endpoint: GatewayEndpoint): GatewayTlsParams? {
     val stored = prefs.loadGatewayTlsFingerprint(endpoint.stableId)
-    val hinted = endpoint.tlsEnabled || !endpoint.tlsFingerprintSha256.isNullOrBlank()
-    val manual = endpoint.stableId.startsWith("manual|")
-
-    if (manual) {
-      if (!manualTls()) return null
-      return GatewayTlsParams(
-        required = true,
-        expectedFingerprint = endpoint.tlsFingerprintSha256 ?: stored,
-        allowTOFU = stored == null,
-        stableId = endpoint.stableId,
-      )
-    }
-
-    if (hinted) {
-      return GatewayTlsParams(
-        required = true,
-        expectedFingerprint = endpoint.tlsFingerprintSha256 ?: stored,
-        allowTOFU = stored == null,
-        stableId = endpoint.stableId,
-      )
-    }
-
-    if (!stored.isNullOrBlank()) {
-      return GatewayTlsParams(
-        required = true,
-        expectedFingerprint = stored,
-        allowTOFU = false,
-        stableId = endpoint.stableId,
-      )
-    }
-
-    return null
+    return resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(endpoint, storedFingerprint = stored, manualTlsEnabled = manualTls())
   }
 }

apps/android/app/src/test/java/ai/openclaw/android/node/ConnectionManagerTest.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+package ai.openclaw.android.node
+
+import ai.openclaw.android.gateway.GatewayEndpoint
+import org.junit.Assert.assertEquals
+import org.junit.Assert.assertNull
+import org.junit.Test
+
+class ConnectionManagerTest {
+  @Test
+  fun resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint_prefersStoredPinOverAdvertisedFingerprint() {
+    val endpoint =
+      GatewayEndpoint(
+        stableId = "_openclaw-gw._tcp.|local.|Test",
+        name = "Test",
+        host = "10.0.0.2",
+        port = 18789,
+        tlsEnabled = true,
+        tlsFingerprintSha256 = "attacker",
+      )
+
+    val params =
+      ConnectionManager.resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(
+        endpoint,
+        storedFingerprint = "legit",
+        manualTlsEnabled = false,
+      )
+
+    assertEquals("legit", params?.expectedFingerprint)
+    assertEquals(false, params?.allowTOFU)
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  fun resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint_doesNotTrustAdvertisedFingerprintWhenNoStoredPin() {
+    val endpoint =
+      GatewayEndpoint(
+        stableId = "_openclaw-gw._tcp.|local.|Test",
+        name = "Test",
+        host = "10.0.0.2",
+        port = 18789,
+        tlsEnabled = true,
+        tlsFingerprintSha256 = "attacker",
+      )
+
+    val params =
+      ConnectionManager.resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(
+        endpoint,
+        storedFingerprint = null,
+        manualTlsEnabled = false,
+      )
+
+    assertNull(params?.expectedFingerprint)
+    assertEquals(true, params?.allowTOFU)
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  fun resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint_manualRespectsManualTlsToggle() {
+    val endpoint = GatewayEndpoint.manual(host = "example.com", port = 443)
+
+    val off =
+      ConnectionManager.resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(
+        endpoint,
+        storedFingerprint = null,
+        manualTlsEnabled = false,
+      )
+    assertNull(off)
+
+    val on =
+      ConnectionManager.resolveTlsParamsForEndpoint(
+        endpoint,
+        storedFingerprint = null,
+        manualTlsEnabled = true,
+      )
+    assertNull(on?.expectedFingerprint)
+    assertEquals(true, on?.allowTOFU)
+  }
+}
+

apps/ios/Sources/Gateway/GatewayConnectionController.swift

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ final class GatewayConnectionController {
     private let discovery = GatewayDiscoveryModel()
     private weak var appModel: NodeAppModel?
     private var didAutoConnect = false
+    private var pendingServiceResolvers: [String: GatewayServiceResolver] = [:]
 
     init(appModel: NodeAppModel, startDiscovery: Bool = true) {
         self.appModel = appModel
@@ -57,21 +58,30 @@ final class GatewayConnectionController {
     }
 
     func connect(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) async {
+        await self.connectDiscoveredGateway(gateway, allowTOFU: true)
+    }
+
+    private func connectDiscoveredGateway(
+        _ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway,
+        allowTOFU: Bool) async
+    {
         let instanceId = UserDefaults.standard.string(forKey: "node.instanceId")?
             .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
         let token = GatewaySettingsStore.loadGatewayToken(instanceId: instanceId)
         let password = GatewaySettingsStore.loadGatewayPassword(instanceId: instanceId)
-        guard let host = self.resolveGatewayHost(gateway) else { return }
-        let port = gateway.gatewayPort ?? 18789
-        let tlsParams = self.resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway)
+
+        // Resolve the service endpoint (SRV/A/AAAA). TXT is unauthenticated; do not route via TXT.
+        guard let target = await self.resolveServiceEndpoint(gateway.endpoint) else { return }
+
+        let tlsParams = self.resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway, allowTOFU: allowTOFU)
         guard let url = self.buildGatewayURL(
-            host: host,
-            port: port,
+            host: target.host,
+            port: target.port,
             useTLS: tlsParams?.required == true)
         else { return }
         GatewaySettingsStore.saveLastGatewayConnection(
-            host: host,
-            port: port,
+            host: target.host,
+            port: target.port,
             useTLS: tlsParams?.required == true,
             stableID: gateway.stableID)
         self.didAutoConnect = true
@@ -254,36 +264,26 @@ final class GatewayConnectionController {
             self.gateways.contains(where: { $0.stableID == id })
         }) {
             guard let target = self.gateways.first(where: { $0.stableID == targetStableID }) else { return }
-            guard let host = self.resolveGatewayHost(target) else { return }
-            let port = target.gatewayPort ?? 18789
-            let tlsParams = self.resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: target)
-            guard let url = self.buildGatewayURL(host: host, port: port, useTLS: tlsParams?.required == true)
-            else { return }
+            // Security: autoconnect only to previously trusted gateways (stored TLS pin).
+            guard GatewayTLSStore.loadFingerprint(stableID: target.stableID) != nil else { return }
 
             self.didAutoConnect = true
-            self.startAutoConnect(
-                url: url,
-                gatewayStableID: target.stableID,
-                tls: tlsParams,
-                token: token,
-                password: password)
+            Task { [weak self] in
+                guard let self else { return }
+                await self.connectDiscoveredGateway(target, allowTOFU: false)
+            }
             return
         }
 
         if self.gateways.count == 1, let gateway = self.gateways.first {
-            guard let host = self.resolveGatewayHost(gateway) else { return }
-            let port = gateway.gatewayPort ?? 18789
-            let tlsParams = self.resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway)
-            guard let url = self.buildGatewayURL(host: host, port: port, useTLS: tlsParams?.required == true)
-            else { return }
+            // Security: autoconnect only to previously trusted gateways (stored TLS pin).
+            guard GatewayTLSStore.loadFingerprint(stableID: gateway.stableID) != nil else { return }
 
             self.didAutoConnect = true
-            self.startAutoConnect(
-                url: url,
-                gatewayStableID: gateway.stableID,
-                tls: tlsParams,
-                token: token,
-                password: password)
+            Task { [weak self] in
+                guard let self else { return }
+                await self.connectDiscoveredGateway(gateway, allowTOFU: false)
+            }
             return
         }
     }
@@ -339,15 +339,27 @@ final class GatewayConnectionController {
         }
     }
 
-    private func resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> GatewayTLSParams? {
+    private func resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(
+        gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway,
+        allowTOFU: Bool) -> GatewayTLSParams?
+    {
         let stableID = gateway.stableID
         let stored = GatewayTLSStore.loadFingerprint(stableID: stableID)
 
-        if gateway.tlsEnabled || gateway.tlsFingerprintSha256 != nil || stored != nil {
+        // Never let unauthenticated discovery (TXT) override a stored pin.
+        if let stored {
             return GatewayTLSParams(
                 required: true,
-                expectedFingerprint: gateway.tlsFingerprintSha256 ?? stored,
-                allowTOFU: stored == nil,
+                expectedFingerprint: stored,
+                allowTOFU: false,
+                storeKey: stableID)
+        }
+
+        if gateway.tlsEnabled || gateway.tlsFingerprintSha256 != nil {
+            return GatewayTLSParams(
+                required: true,
+                expectedFingerprint: nil,
+                allowTOFU: allowTOFU,
                 storeKey: stableID)
         }
 
@@ -371,14 +383,19 @@ final class GatewayConnectionController {
         return nil
     }
 
-    private func resolveGatewayHost(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> String? {
-        if let tailnet = gateway.tailnetDns?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines), !tailnet.isEmpty {
-            return tailnet
+    private func resolveServiceEndpoint(_ endpoint: NWEndpoint) async -> (host: String, port: Int)? {
+        guard case let .service(name, type, domain, _) = endpoint else { return nil }
+        let key = "\(domain)|\(type)|\(name)"
+        return await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
+            let resolver = GatewayServiceResolver(name: name, type: type, domain: domain) { [weak self] result in
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    self?.pendingServiceResolvers[key] = nil
+                    continuation.resume(returning: result)
+                }
+            }
+            self.pendingServiceResolvers[key] = resolver
+            resolver.start()
         }
-        if let lanHost = gateway.lanHost?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines), !lanHost.isEmpty {
-            return lanHost
-        }
-        return nil
     }
 
     private func buildGatewayURL(host: String, port: Int, useTLS: Bool) -> URL? {
@@ -662,5 +679,16 @@ extension GatewayConnectionController {
     func _test_triggerAutoConnect() {
         self.maybeAutoConnect()
     }
+
+    func _test_didAutoConnect() -> Bool {
+        self.didAutoConnect
+    }
+
+    func _test_resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(
+        gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway,
+        allowTOFU: Bool) -> GatewayTLSParams?
+    {
+        self.resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway, allowTOFU: allowTOFU)
+    }
 }
 #endif

apps/ios/Sources/Gateway/GatewayServiceResolver.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+import Foundation
+
+// NetService-based resolver for Bonjour services.
+// Used to resolve the service endpoint (SRV + A/AAAA) without trusting TXT for routing.
+final class GatewayServiceResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
+    private let service: NetService
+    private let completion: ((host: String, port: Int)?) -> Void
+    private var didFinish = false
+
+    init(
+        name: String,
+        type: String,
+        domain: String,
+        completion: @escaping ((host: String, port: Int)?) -> Void)
+    {
+        self.service = NetService(domain: domain, type: type, name: name)
+        self.completion = completion
+        super.init()
+        self.service.delegate = self
+    }
+
+    func start(timeout: TimeInterval = 2.0) {
+        self.service.schedule(in: .main, forMode: .common)
+        self.service.resolve(withTimeout: timeout)
+    }
+
+    func netServiceDidResolveAddress(_ sender: NetService) {
+        let host = Self.normalizeHost(sender.hostName)
+        let port = sender.port
+        guard let host, !host.isEmpty, port > 0 else {
+            self.finish(result: nil)
+            return
+        }
+        self.finish(result: (host: host, port: port))
+    }
+
+    func netService(_ sender: NetService, didNotResolve errorDict: [String: NSNumber]) {
+        self.finish(result: nil)
+    }
+
+    private func finish(result: ((host: String, port: Int))?) {
+        guard !self.didFinish else { return }
+        self.didFinish = true
+        self.service.stop()
+        self.service.remove(from: .main, forMode: .common)
+        self.completion(result)
+    }
+
+    private static func normalizeHost(_ raw: String?) -> String? {
+        let trimmed = raw?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
+        if trimmed.isEmpty { return nil }
+        return trimmed.hasSuffix(".") ? String(trimmed.dropLast()) : trimmed
+    }
+}
+

apps/ios/Tests/GatewayConnectionSecurityTests.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+import Foundation
+import Network
+import Testing
+@testable import OpenClaw
+
+@Suite(.serialized) struct GatewayConnectionSecurityTests {
+    private func clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: String) {
+        let suite = UserDefaults(suiteName: "ai.openclaw.shared") ?? .standard
+        suite.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.tls.\(stableID)")
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor func discoveredTLSParams_prefersStoredPinOverAdvertisedTXT() async {
+        let stableID = "test|\(UUID().uuidString)"
+        defer { clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID) }
+        clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID)
+
+        GatewayTLSStore.saveFingerprint("11", stableID: stableID)
+
+        let endpoint: NWEndpoint = .service(name: "Test", type: "_openclaw-gw._tcp", domain: "local.", interface: nil)
+        let gateway = GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway(
+            name: "Test",
+            endpoint: endpoint,
+            stableID: stableID,
+            debugID: "debug",
+            lanHost: "evil.example.com",
+            tailnetDns: "evil.example.com",
+            gatewayPort: 12345,
+            canvasPort: nil,
+            tlsEnabled: true,
+            tlsFingerprintSha256: "22",
+            cliPath: nil)
+
+        let appModel = NodeAppModel()
+        let controller = GatewayConnectionController(appModel: appModel, startDiscovery: false)
+
+        let params = controller._test_resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway, allowTOFU: true)
+        #expect(params?.expectedFingerprint == "11")
+        #expect(params?.allowTOFU == false)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor func discoveredTLSParams_doesNotTrustAdvertisedFingerprint() async {
+        let stableID = "test|\(UUID().uuidString)"
+        defer { clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID) }
+        clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID)
+
+        let endpoint: NWEndpoint = .service(name: "Test", type: "_openclaw-gw._tcp", domain: "local.", interface: nil)
+        let gateway = GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway(
+            name: "Test",
+            endpoint: endpoint,
+            stableID: stableID,
+            debugID: "debug",
+            lanHost: nil,
+            tailnetDns: nil,
+            gatewayPort: nil,
+            canvasPort: nil,
+            tlsEnabled: true,
+            tlsFingerprintSha256: "22",
+            cliPath: nil)
+
+        let appModel = NodeAppModel()
+        let controller = GatewayConnectionController(appModel: appModel, startDiscovery: false)
+
+        let params = controller._test_resolveDiscoveredTLSParams(gateway: gateway, allowTOFU: true)
+        #expect(params?.expectedFingerprint == nil)
+        #expect(params?.allowTOFU == true)
+    }
+
+    @Test @MainActor func autoconnectRequiresStoredPinForDiscoveredGateways() async {
+        let stableID = "test|\(UUID().uuidString)"
+        defer { clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID) }
+        clearTLSFingerprint(stableID: stableID)
+
+        let defaults = UserDefaults.standard
+        defaults.set(true, forKey: "gateway.autoconnect")
+        defaults.set(false, forKey: "gateway.manual.enabled")
+        defaults.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.last.host")
+        defaults.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.last.port")
+        defaults.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.last.tls")
+        defaults.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.last.stableID")
+        defaults.removeObject(forKey: "gateway.preferredStableID")
+        defaults.set(stableID, forKey: "gateway.lastDiscoveredStableID")
+
+        let endpoint: NWEndpoint = .service(name: "Test", type: "_openclaw-gw._tcp", domain: "local.", interface: nil)
+        let gateway = GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway(
+            name: "Test",
+            endpoint: endpoint,
+            stableID: stableID,
+            debugID: "debug",
+            lanHost: "test.local",
+            tailnetDns: nil,
+            gatewayPort: 18789,
+            canvasPort: nil,
+            tlsEnabled: true,
+            tlsFingerprintSha256: nil,
+            cliPath: nil)
+
+        let appModel = NodeAppModel()
+        let controller = GatewayConnectionController(appModel: appModel, startDiscovery: false)
+        controller._test_setGateways([gateway])
+        controller._test_triggerAutoConnect()
+
+        #expect(controller._test_didAutoConnect() == false)
+    }
+}
+

apps/macos/Sources/OpenClaw/GatewayDiscoveryHelpers.swift

@@ -15,19 +15,29 @@ enum GatewayDiscoveryHelpers {
 
     static func directUrl(for gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> String? {
         self.directGatewayUrl(
-            tailnetDns: gateway.tailnetDns,
+            serviceHost: gateway.serviceHost,
+            servicePort: gateway.servicePort,
             lanHost: gateway.lanHost,
             gatewayPort: gateway.gatewayPort)
     }
 
     static func directGatewayUrl(
-        tailnetDns: String?,
+        serviceHost: String?,
+        servicePort: Int?,
         lanHost: String?,
         gatewayPort: Int?) -> String?
     {
-        if let tailnetDns = self.sanitizedTailnetHost(tailnetDns) {
-            return "wss://\(tailnetDns)"
+        // Security: do not route using unauthenticated TXT hints (tailnetDns/lanHost/gatewayPort).
+        // Prefer the resolved service endpoint (SRV + A/AAAA).
+        if let host = self.trimmed(serviceHost), !host.isEmpty,
+           let port = servicePort, port > 0
+        {
+            let scheme = port == 443 ? "wss" : "ws"
+            let portSuffix = port == 443 ? "" : ":\(port)"
+            return "\(scheme)://\(host)\(portSuffix)"
         }
+
+        // Legacy fallback (best-effort): keep existing behavior when we couldn't resolve SRV.
         guard let lanHost = self.trimmed(lanHost), !lanHost.isEmpty else { return nil }
         let port = gatewayPort ?? 18789
         return "ws://\(lanHost):\(port)"

apps/macos/Sources/OpenClaw/GeneralSettings.swift

@@ -683,7 +683,9 @@ extension GeneralSettings {
                 host: host,
                 port: gateway.sshPort)
             self.state.remoteCliPath = gateway.cliPath ?? ""
-            OpenClawConfigFile.setRemoteGatewayUrl(host: host, port: gateway.gatewayPort)
+            OpenClawConfigFile.setRemoteGatewayUrl(
+                host: gateway.serviceHost ?? host,
+                port: gateway.servicePort ?? gateway.gatewayPort)
         }
     }
 }

apps/macos/Sources/OpenClaw/OnboardingView+Actions.swift

@@ -35,7 +35,9 @@ extension OnboardingView {
                 user: user,
                 host: host,
                 port: gateway.sshPort)
-            OpenClawConfigFile.setRemoteGatewayUrl(host: host, port: gateway.gatewayPort)
+            OpenClawConfigFile.setRemoteGatewayUrl(
+                host: gateway.serviceHost ?? host,
+                port: gateway.servicePort ?? gateway.gatewayPort)
         }
         self.state.remoteCliPath = gateway.cliPath ?? ""
 

apps/macos/Sources/OpenClawDiscovery/GatewayDiscoveryModel.swift

@@ -20,6 +20,9 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
     public struct DiscoveredGateway: Identifiable, Equatable, Sendable {
         public var id: String { self.stableID }
         public var displayName: String
+        // Resolved service endpoint (SRV + A/AAAA). Used for routing; do not trust TXT for routing.
+        public var serviceHost: String?
+        public var servicePort: Int?
         public var lanHost: String?
         public var tailnetDns: String?
         public var sshPort: Int
@@ -31,6 +34,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
 
         public init(
             displayName: String,
+            serviceHost: String? = nil,
+            servicePort: Int? = nil,
             lanHost: String? = nil,
             tailnetDns: String? = nil,
             sshPort: Int,
@@ -41,6 +46,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
             isLocal: Bool)
         {
             self.displayName = displayName
+            self.serviceHost = serviceHost
+            self.servicePort = servicePort
             self.lanHost = lanHost
             self.tailnetDns = tailnetDns
             self.sshPort = sshPort
@@ -62,8 +69,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
     private var localIdentity: LocalIdentity
     private let localDisplayName: String?
     private let filterLocalGateways: Bool
-    private var resolvedTXTByID: [String: [String: String]] = [:]
-    private var pendingTXTResolvers: [String: GatewayTXTResolver] = [:]
+    private var resolvedServiceByID: [String: ResolvedGatewayService] = [:]
+    private var pendingServiceResolvers: [String: GatewayServiceResolver] = [:]
     private var wideAreaFallbackTask: Task<Void, Never>?
     private var wideAreaFallbackGateways: [DiscoveredGateway] = []
     private let logger = Logger(subsystem: "ai.openclaw", category: "gateway-discovery")
@@ -133,9 +140,9 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
         self.resultsByDomain = [:]
         self.gatewaysByDomain = [:]
         self.statesByDomain = [:]
-        self.resolvedTXTByID = [:]
-        self.pendingTXTResolvers.values.forEach { $0.cancel() }
-        self.pendingTXTResolvers = [:]
+        self.resolvedServiceByID = [:]
+        self.pendingServiceResolvers.values.forEach { $0.cancel() }
+        self.pendingServiceResolvers = [:]
         self.wideAreaFallbackTask?.cancel()
         self.wideAreaFallbackTask = nil
         self.wideAreaFallbackGateways = []
@@ -154,6 +161,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
                 local: self.localIdentity)
             return DiscoveredGateway(
                 displayName: beacon.displayName,
+                serviceHost: beacon.host,
+                servicePort: beacon.port,
                 lanHost: beacon.lanHost,
                 tailnetDns: beacon.tailnetDns,
                 sshPort: beacon.sshPort ?? 22,
@@ -195,7 +204,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
 
             let decodedName = BonjourEscapes.decode(name)
             let stableID = GatewayEndpointID.stableID(result.endpoint)
-            let resolvedTXT = self.resolvedTXTByID[stableID] ?? [:]
+            let resolved = self.resolvedServiceByID[stableID]
+            let resolvedTXT = resolved?.txt ?? [:]
             let txt = Self.txtDictionary(from: result).merging(
                 resolvedTXT,
                 uniquingKeysWith: { _, new in new })
@@ -208,8 +218,10 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
 
             let parsedTXT = Self.parseGatewayTXT(txt)
 
-            if parsedTXT.lanHost == nil || parsedTXT.tailnetDns == nil {
-                self.ensureTXTResolution(
+            // Always attempt NetService resolution for the endpoint (host/port and TXT).
+            // TXT is unauthenticated; do not use it for routing.
+            if resolved == nil {
+                self.ensureServiceResolution(
                     stableID: stableID,
                     serviceName: name,
                     type: type,
@@ -224,6 +236,8 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
                 local: self.localIdentity)
             return DiscoveredGateway(
                 displayName: prettyName,
+                serviceHost: resolved?.host,
+                servicePort: resolved?.port,
                 lanHost: parsedTXT.lanHost,
                 tailnetDns: parsedTXT.tailnetDns,
                 sshPort: parsedTXT.sshPort,
@@ -421,16 +435,16 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
         return target
     }
 
-    private func ensureTXTResolution(
+    private func ensureServiceResolution(
         stableID: String,
         serviceName: String,
         type: String,
         domain: String)
     {
-        guard self.resolvedTXTByID[stableID] == nil else { return }
-        guard self.pendingTXTResolvers[stableID] == nil else { return }
+        guard self.resolvedServiceByID[stableID] == nil else { return }
+        guard self.pendingServiceResolvers[stableID] == nil else { return }
 
-        let resolver = GatewayTXTResolver(
+        let resolver = GatewayServiceResolver(
             name: serviceName,
             type: type,
             domain: domain,
@@ -438,10 +452,10 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
         { [weak self] result in
             Task { @MainActor in
                 guard let self else { return }
-                self.pendingTXTResolvers[stableID] = nil
+                self.pendingServiceResolvers[stableID] = nil
                 switch result {
-                case let .success(txt):
-                    self.resolvedTXTByID[stableID] = txt
+                case let .success(resolved):
+                    self.resolvedServiceByID[stableID] = resolved
                     self.updateGatewaysForAllDomains()
                     self.recomputeGateways()
                 case .failure:
@@ -450,7 +464,7 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
             }
         }
 
-        self.pendingTXTResolvers[stableID] = resolver
+        self.pendingServiceResolvers[stableID] = resolver
         resolver.start()
     }
 
@@ -607,9 +621,15 @@ public final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
     }
 }
 
-final class GatewayTXTResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
+struct ResolvedGatewayService: Equatable, Sendable {
+    var txt: [String: String]
+    var host: String?
+    var port: Int?
+}
+
+final class GatewayServiceResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
     private let service: NetService
-    private let completion: (Result<[String: String], Error>) -> Void
+    private let completion: (Result<ResolvedGatewayService, Error>) -> Void
     private let logger: Logger
     private var didFinish = false
 
@@ -618,7 +638,7 @@ final class GatewayTXTResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
         type: String,
         domain: String,
         logger: Logger,
-        completion: @escaping (Result<[String: String], Error>) -> Void)
+        completion: @escaping (Result<ResolvedGatewayService, Error>) -> Void)
     {
         self.service = NetService(domain: domain, type: type, name: name)
         self.completion = completion
@@ -633,24 +653,27 @@ final class GatewayTXTResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
     }
 
     func cancel() {
-        self.finish(result: .failure(GatewayTXTResolverError.cancelled))
+        self.finish(result: .failure(GatewayServiceResolverError.cancelled))
     }
 
     func netServiceDidResolveAddress(_ sender: NetService) {
         let txt = Self.decodeTXT(sender.txtRecordData())
+        let host = Self.normalizeHost(sender.hostName)
+        let port = sender.port > 0 ? sender.port : nil
         if !txt.isEmpty {
             let payload = self.formatTXT(txt)
             self.logger.debug(
                 "discovery: resolved TXT for \(sender.name, privacy: .public): \(payload, privacy: .public)")
         }
-        self.finish(result: .success(txt))
+        let resolved = ResolvedGatewayService(txt: txt, host: host, port: port)
+        self.finish(result: .success(resolved))
     }
 
     func netService(_ sender: NetService, didNotResolve errorDict: [String: NSNumber]) {
-        self.finish(result: .failure(GatewayTXTResolverError.resolveFailed(errorDict)))
+        self.finish(result: .failure(GatewayServiceResolverError.resolveFailed(errorDict)))
     }
 
-    private func finish(result: Result<[String: String], Error>) {
+    private func finish(result: Result<ResolvedGatewayService, Error>) {
         guard !self.didFinish else { return }
         self.didFinish = true
         self.service.stop()
@@ -671,6 +694,12 @@ final class GatewayTXTResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
         return out
     }
 
+    private static func normalizeHost(_ raw: String?) -> String? {
+        let trimmed = raw?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) ?? ""
+        if trimmed.isEmpty { return nil }
+        return trimmed.hasSuffix(".") ? String(trimmed.dropLast()) : trimmed
+    }
+
     private func formatTXT(_ txt: [String: String]) -> String {
         txt.sorted(by: { $0.key < $1.key })
             .map { "\($0.key)=\($0.value)" }
@@ -678,7 +707,7 @@ final class GatewayTXTResolver: NSObject, NetServiceDelegate {
     }
 }
 
-enum GatewayTXTResolverError: Error {
+enum GatewayServiceResolverError: Error {
     case cancelled
     case resolveFailed([String: NSNumber])
 }

docs/gateway/bonjour.md

@@ -100,6 +100,12 @@ The Gateway advertises small non‑secret hints to make UI flows convenient:
 - `cliPath=<path>` (optional; absolute path to a runnable `openclaw` entrypoint)
 - `tailnetDns=<magicdns>` (optional hint when Tailnet is available)
 
+Security notes:
+
+- Bonjour/mDNS TXT records are **unauthenticated**. Clients must not treat TXT as authoritative routing.
+- Clients should route using the resolved service endpoint (SRV + A/AAAA). Treat `lanHost`, `tailnetDns`, `gatewayPort`, and `gatewayTlsSha256` as hints only.
+- TLS pinning must never allow an advertised `gatewayTlsSha256` to override a previously stored pin.
+
 ## Debugging on macOS
 
 Useful built‑in tools:

docs/gateway/bridge-protocol.md

@@ -35,7 +35,9 @@ Legacy `bridge.*` config keys are no longer part of the config schema.
 - Legacy default listener port was `18790` (current builds do not start a TCP bridge).
 
 When TLS is enabled, discovery TXT records include `bridgeTls=1` plus
-`bridgeTlsSha256` so nodes can pin the certificate.
+`bridgeTlsSha256` as a non-secret hint. Note that Bonjour/mDNS TXT records are
+unauthenticated; clients must not treat the advertised fingerprint as an
+authoritative pin without explicit user intent or other out-of-band verification.
 
 ## Handshake + pairing
 

docs/gateway/discovery.md

@@ -68,6 +68,12 @@ Troubleshooting and beacon details: [Bonjour](/gateway/bonjour).
   - `cliPath=<path>` (optional; absolute path to a runnable `openclaw` entrypoint or binary)
   - `tailnetDns=<magicdns>` (optional hint; auto-detected when Tailscale is available)
 
+Security notes:
+
+- Bonjour/mDNS TXT records are **unauthenticated**. Clients must treat TXT values as UX hints only.
+- Routing (host/port) should prefer the **resolved service endpoint** (SRV + A/AAAA) over TXT-provided `lanHost`, `tailnetDns`, or `gatewayPort`.
+- TLS pinning must never allow an advertised `gatewayTlsSha256` to override a previously stored pin. For first-time connections, require explicit user intent (TOFU or other out-of-band verification).
+
 Disable/override:
 
 - `OPENCLAW_DISABLE_BONJOUR=1` disables advertising.

src/cli/gateway-cli/discover.test.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from "vitest";
+import type { GatewayBonjourBeacon } from "../../infra/bonjour-discovery.js";
+import { pickBeaconHost, pickGatewayPort } from "./discover.js";
+
+describe("gateway discover routing helpers", () => {
+  it("prefers resolved service host over TXT hints", () => {
+    const beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon = {
+      instanceName: "Test",
+      host: "10.0.0.2",
+      lanHost: "evil.example.com",
+      tailnetDns: "evil.example.com",
+    };
+    expect(pickBeaconHost(beacon)).toBe("10.0.0.2");
+  });
+
+  it("prefers resolved service port over TXT gatewayPort", () => {
+    const beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon = {
+      instanceName: "Test",
+      host: "10.0.0.2",
+      port: 18789,
+      gatewayPort: 12345,
+    };
+    expect(pickGatewayPort(beacon)).toBe(18789);
+  });
+
+  it("falls back to TXT host/port when resolve data is missing", () => {
+    const beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon = {
+      instanceName: "Test",
+      lanHost: "test-host.local",
+      gatewayPort: 18789,
+    };
+    expect(pickBeaconHost(beacon)).toBe("test-host.local");
+    expect(pickGatewayPort(beacon)).toBe(18789);
+  });
+});

src/cli/gateway-cli/discover.ts

@@ -30,12 +30,15 @@ export function parseDiscoverTimeoutMs(raw: unknown, fallbackMs: number): number
 }
 
 export function pickBeaconHost(beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon): string | null {
-  const host = beacon.tailnetDns || beacon.lanHost || beacon.host;
+  // Security: TXT records are unauthenticated. Prefer the resolved service endpoint (SRV/A/AAAA)
+  // over TXT-provided routing hints.
+  const host = beacon.host || beacon.tailnetDns || beacon.lanHost;
   return host?.trim() ? host.trim() : null;
 }
 
 export function pickGatewayPort(beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon): number {
-  const port = beacon.gatewayPort ?? 18789;
+  // Security: TXT records are unauthenticated. Prefer the resolved service port over TXT gatewayPort.
+  const port = beacon.port ?? beacon.gatewayPort ?? 18789;
   return port > 0 ? port : 18789;
 }
 

src/commands/onboard-remote.ts

@@ -8,12 +8,14 @@ import { detectBinary } from "./onboard-helpers.js";
 const DEFAULT_GATEWAY_URL = "ws://127.0.0.1:18789";
 
 function pickHost(beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon): string | undefined {
-  return beacon.tailnetDns || beacon.lanHost || beacon.host;
+  // Security: TXT is unauthenticated. Prefer the resolved service endpoint host.
+  return beacon.host || beacon.tailnetDns || beacon.lanHost;
 }
 
 function buildLabel(beacon: GatewayBonjourBeacon): string {
   const host = pickHost(beacon);
-  const port = beacon.gatewayPort ?? beacon.port ?? 18789;
+  // Security: Prefer the resolved service endpoint port.
+  const port = beacon.port ?? beacon.gatewayPort ?? 18789;
   const title = beacon.displayName ?? beacon.instanceName;
   const hint = host ? `${host}:${port}` : "host unknown";
   return `${title} (${hint})`;
@@ -80,7 +82,7 @@ export async function promptRemoteGatewayConfig(
 
   if (selectedBeacon) {
     const host = pickHost(selectedBeacon);
-    const port = selectedBeacon.gatewayPort ?? 18789;
+    const port = selectedBeacon.port ?? selectedBeacon.gatewayPort ?? 18789;
     if (host) {
       const mode = await prompter.select({
         message: "Connection method",