Openclaw cli: OpenClaw bootstrap setup codes could be replayed to escalate pending pairing scopes before approval (CVE-2026-32987)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions up to 2026.3.12 contain a vulnerability where bootstrap setup codes can be replayed before approval, allowing escalation of pending device pairing scopes. This flaw permits an attacker to widen the privileges granted to a device, including elevating from a lower operator scope to operator.admin, before the pairing is finalized. The issue is fixed in version 2026.3.13 by making bootstrap setup codes single-use, preventing replay attacks.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in openclaw CLI (<= 2026.3.12) involves the bootstrap token verification process in src/infra/device-bootstrap.ts, where a valid bootstrap setup code could be reused multiple times before the pairing request was approved. This replay allowed mutation of a pending device pairing to request broader scopes, including privilege escalation to operator.admin. The fix in version 2026.3.13 ensures bootstrap setup codes are consumed on first successful verification, blocking replay attempts and preventing unauthorized scope escalation.
Potential Impact
An attacker with access to a valid bootstrap setup code could replay it to escalate privileges on a pending device pairing request before approval, potentially gaining higher operator privileges than intended. This undermines the trust model of OpenClaw by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation during device pairing.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade openclaw CLI to version 2026.3.13 or later, which implements single-use bootstrap setup codes to prevent replay attacks. This fix consumes the bootstrap token record upon first successful verification, blocking any subsequent replay attempts. No additional mitigation is required once the update is applied.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-32987
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ac245b312601ec6a3166b34
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:23 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:58:26 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 1
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