Openclaw cli: OpenClaw has encoded-path auth bypass in plugin `/api/channels` route classification (CVE-2026-32004)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions up to 2026.3.1 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the plugin route `/api/channels/*` due to a mismatch in path canonicalization depth. This allows specially encoded alternate-path requests to evade authentication checks while still resolving to protected routes. The issue is fixed in version 2026.3.2 with improved canonicalization and stricter auth enforcement.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-32004 affects OpenClaw CLI versions up to 2026.3.1 where plugin authentication for the `/api/channels/*` route can be bypassed by using deeply encoded alternate paths (e.g., multi-encoded slashes `%2f`). The vulnerability arises from a divergence between plugin auth-path classification and route-path canonicalization, allowing unauthorized access to protected plugin routes. The patch in 2026.3.2 addresses this by enforcing bounded canonicalization, failing closed on malformed paths, requiring explicit auth contracts for plugin routes, and preventing route conflicts.
Potential Impact
An attacker can bypass authentication checks on the `/api/channels/*` plugin route by exploiting encoded path variants, potentially gaining unauthorized access or performing actions requiring higher privileges. The CVSS score of 6.5 (medium severity) reflects limited attack complexity but significant impact on integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.3.2 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. The patch enforces strict path canonicalization and explicit authentication requirements, eliminating the bypass. No additional mitigations are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-32004
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245bf12601ec6a3166c01
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:35 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:06:09 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 1
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