Openclaw cli: OpenClaw `node.pair.approve` placed in `operator.write` scope instead of `operator.pairing` allows unprivileged pairing approval (CVE-2026-42426)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions up to 2026.4.7 contain a vulnerability where the node.pair.approve method is incorrectly scoped to operator.write instead of the more restrictive operator.pairing scope. This misconfiguration allows unprivileged users with operator.write permissions to approve pairings, potentially leading to unauthorized control over exec-capable nodes. The issue affects local user-controlled assistants and does not assume multi-tenant environments. A fix is available in version 2026.4.8.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The OpenClaw CLI vulnerability (CVE-2026-42426) arises because the node.pair.approve method was mistakenly placed under the operator.write permission scope rather than the intended operator.pairing scope. This broader permission scope permits users with operator.write privileges, who are not necessarily authorized for pairing operations, to approve node pairings. This flaw compromises the trust model of OpenClaw by allowing unprivileged pairing approvals on exec-capable nodes. The vulnerability affects openclaw npm package versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.4.8. The issue was fixed in commit d7c3210cd6f5fdfdc1beff4c9541673e814354d5 and released in version 2026.4.8.
Potential Impact
Users with operator.write permissions can approve node pairings without the narrower operator.pairing scope or admin requirements, potentially allowing unauthorized pairing approvals. This can lead to elevated control over exec-capable nodes within the OpenClaw environment, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade to openclaw version 2026.4.8 or later, which contains the official fix correcting the permission scope for node.pair.approve. The fix has been verified with targeted regression tests. No additional mitigation is required once patched.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-42426
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac2459812601ec6a3165d3d
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:24:56 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:43:52 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:38 UTC
Views: 1
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