Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: Paired node escalates to gateway RCE via unrestricted node.event agent dispatch (CVE-2026-41378)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.3.31 contain a vulnerability where a paired node with the role 'node' can escalate privileges to execute code on the gateway via unrestricted node.event agent dispatch. This requires a trusted paired node foothold, limiting the criticality. The issue is fixed in version 2026.3.31.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The OpenClaw CLI (npm package) has a vulnerability (CVE-2026-41378) in versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.3.31 where a paired node with role=node can exploit unrestricted node.event agent.request dispatch to escalate privileges and achieve remote code execution on the gateway. The vulnerability requires an attacker to already have a trusted paired node foothold, which reduces the severity somewhat. The flaw was fixed in version 2026.3.31 by restricting the node.event agent dispatch capabilities.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a trusted paired node role=node client access can escalate privileges to execute arbitrary code on the gateway, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the gateway system. However, the vulnerability does not allow initial access and requires an existing trusted paired node foothold.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.3.31 or later, which contains the official fix for this vulnerability. Versions <=2026.3.28 are vulnerable. No additional mitigation is required if running the patched version.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-41378
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac2459f12601ec6a3165d70
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:03 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:47:09 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:38 UTC
Views: 1
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