Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: Incomplete scope-clearing fix allows operator.admin escalation via trusted-proxy auth mode (CVE-2026-41404)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.3.31 contain an incomplete scope-clearing vulnerability in the trusted-proxy authentication mode. This flaw allows an attacker with limited privileges to escalate to operator.admin by retaining self-declared operator scopes on a real identity-bearing authentication path. The issue was fixed in version 2026.3.31. The vulnerability is rated with high severity based on the CVSS 4.0 vector provided.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
An incomplete fix in OpenClaw CLI's scope-clearing mechanism for trusted-proxy authentication mode allows operator.admin privilege escalation. Specifically, versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.3.31 fail to clear operator scopes for non-Control-UI clients, enabling an attacker to retain elevated scopes improperly. The vulnerability was addressed in commit 8b88b927cb0747ad24d95b07d35682bf85dc5b0e and fixed in version 2026.3.31.
Potential Impact
An attacker with limited privileges can escalate to operator.admin by exploiting the incomplete scope-clearing in trusted-proxy auth mode. This could lead to unauthorized administrative access within the OpenClaw CLI environment. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.3.31 or later, which contains the complete fix for the scope-clearing issue. Versions <=2026.3.28 remain vulnerable. No other mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-41404
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ac2459c12601ec6a3165d5a
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:00 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:45:21 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:38 UTC
Views: 1
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