Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: Skill Workshop apply flow could override pending approval (CVE-2026-53808)
Description
A vulnerability in the OpenClaw CLI Skill Workshop apply flow allows an agent tool call to override a pending approval state, applying changes prematurely. This affects versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.5.6. The issue does not alter the trusted-operator model but could impact configurations where lower-trust inputs reach the affected path. The vulnerability has a medium severity with a CVSS score of 5.3.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.3medium
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The OpenClaw CLI Skill Workshop apply flow vulnerability (CVE-2026-53808) occurs when an agent tool call can set `apply: true` despite the approval policy being `pending`. This means that changes intended to require approval could be applied before that approval step is completed. The vulnerability is scoped to the Skill Workshop feature and does not affect the overall trusted-operator model of OpenClaw. The practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether untrusted inputs can reach the affected apply path. The issue affects versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.5.6. A patch is available in version 2026.5.6.
Potential Impact
If the affected feature is enabled and reachable, an attacker or lower-trust input could cause workshop changes to be applied before the expected approval step, potentially bypassing intended approval controls. The overall impact depends on the specific configuration and trust boundaries of the operator environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available in version 2026.5.6 and should be applied. Until patched, manually review Skill Workshop changes and restrict tool access. Additionally, narrow channel and tool allowlists, avoid sharing Gateways between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when not needed.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-53808
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac2458f12601ec6a3164146
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:24:47 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:38:09 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:39 UTC
Views: 3
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