Critical Logic Flaw in OpenClaw Allows Elevated Scopes for Shared-Auth Connections

openclaw Updated 13 Mar 2026

Summary

13/03/2026

Disclosed on

CRITICAL

Severity

Yes i

Fix available

Critical

Severity

9.9

CVSS Score

GHSA-rqpp-rjj8-7wv8: OpenClaw: WebSocket shared-auth connections could self-declare elevated scopes. Affects openclaw versions < 2026.3.12. Fixed in 2026.3.12. How to fix ↓

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Background

OpenClaw is an open-source gateway designed for managing WebSocket connections, particularly in IoT and real-time applications. It facilitates secure communication between clients and servers, allowing for shared authentication methods. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified that compromises the intended authorization boundaries, enabling unauthorized access to elevated scopes.

Vulnerability Detail

A logic flaw in the OpenClaw gateway's WebSocket connection process allows certain device-less shared-token or password-authenticated backend connections to retain client-declared scopes without server-side validation. This means that a shared-authenticated client could potentially present elevated scopes, such as 'operator.admin', even if those scopes are not associated with a legitimate device identity or a trusted Control UI path. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it could enable unauthorized clients to perform administrative operations on the gateway, leading to potential data breaches or system compromises.

How To Fix

Latest published version: 2026.10.6 as of 22 Oct 2026

npm install openclaw@2026.10.6

Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.

If you need the minimum change

2026.3.12

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install openclaw@2026.3.12

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Workaround

Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.

Conclusion

The identified vulnerability in OpenClaw presents a significant risk due to a logic flaw that allows unauthorized access to elevated scopes. It is essential for users of OpenClaw to update to the latest version to protect their systems from potential exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.

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