Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: node.pair.approve missing callerScopes validation allows low-privilege operator to approve malicious nodes (CVE-2026-33577)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.3.28 contain a vulnerability in the node pairing approval process. The flaw allows a low-privilege operator to approve node pairing requests with broader scopes than they possess, potentially escalating privileges on the paired node. This issue is fixed in version 2026.3.28.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in OpenClaw CLI arises because the node pairing approval path did not consistently verify that the approving caller held all the scopes requested by the node. This missing validation in the source files src/infra/node-pairing.ts and src/gateway/server-methods/nodes.ts allowed a lower-privileged operator to approve a pending node request for broader scopes, thereby extending privileges onto the paired node. The issue was fixed in commit 4d7cc6bb4f and is addressed starting with OpenClaw CLI version 2026.3.28.
Potential Impact
A low-privilege operator can escalate privileges by approving node pairing requests that request broader scopes than the operator possesses. This can lead to unauthorized privilege extension on paired nodes, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system as indicated by the CVSS score of 9.8 (critical).
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.3.28 or later, which contains the official fix for this vulnerability. Versions up to and including 2026.3.24 are affected. No other mitigation is required as the patch fully addresses the issue.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-33577
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245da12601ec6a31680a5
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:26:02 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:20:32 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 5
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