Openclaw
CVE-2026-28473
HIGH
GHSA-mqpw-46fh-299h
Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessAuthenticate as operator.write scoped user
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DeliverySend /approve chat command
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ExploitInvoke exec.approval.resolve via privileged gateway
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ExecutionBypass operator.approvals permission check
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ImpactModify exec approval requests
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A01:2025 - Broken Access Control
ASVS 5.0
V8 - Authorization Authorization logic validation
MITRE ATT&CK
1 technique across 1 tactic: Privilege Escalation The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Exploitation Conditions | Attacker must possess operator.write scope credentials in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2. The /approve chat command endpoint must be accessible and the internal privileged gateway client must route approval requests without re-validating operator.approvals permissions. |
| Impact | CVSS 8.1 (HIGH). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: Low. Privileges required: Low. User interaction: None. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
OpenClaw prior to version 2026.2.2 allows authenticated users with operator.write scope to bypass approval controls and resolve execution requests through a chat command that circumvents authorization checks. An attacker with this scope can approve or deny exec approval requests without having the required operator.approvals permission, effectively gaining unauthorized approval authority. A patch is available for affected installations.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability where clients with operator.write scope can approve or deny exec approval requests by sending the /approve chat command. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
RemediationAI
A vendor patch is available — apply it immediately. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in npm
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
Classified as CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). Affects Openclaw. OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability where clients with operator.write scope can approve or deny exec approval requests by sending the /approve chat command. The /approve command path invokes exec.approval.resolve through an internal privileged gateway client, bypassing the operator.approvals permission check that protects direct RPC calls.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
Lifecycle Timeline
2DescriptionCVE.org
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.2 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability where clients with operator.write scope can approve or deny exec approval requests by sending the /approve chat command. The /approve command path invokes exec.approval.resolve through an internal privileged gateway client, bypassing the operator.approvals permission check that protects direct RPC calls.
Executive ViewAI
OpenClaw versions before 2026.2.2 allow users with basic operator permissions to illegally approve or deny critical execution requests, bypassing intended authorization controls. This directly undermines change management and operational security workflows, potentially enabling unauthorized system changes or privilege escalation by internal actors.
Apply vendor patch.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications.
Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org
Related Vulnerabilities in OpenClaw Multiple Security Vulnerabilities
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OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a shell environment variable injection vulnerability in the system.run func
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Exploit-DB