Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: WebSocket shared-auth connections could self-declare elevated scopes (CVE-2026-22172)
Description
A logic flaw in OpenClaw gateway's WebSocket connection allowed shared-authenticated backend clients to self-declare elevated scopes without proper server-side validation. This flaw enabled such clients to gain unauthorized admin-level access. The vulnerability affects OpenClaw versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.3.12. A patch fixing this issue was released in version 2026.3.12, which clears unbound scopes for non-Control-UI shared-auth connections.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.9critical
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-22172 describes a logic flaw in the OpenClaw gateway WebSocket connect path where device-less shared-token or password-authenticated backend connections could retain client-declared elevated scopes such as 'operator.admin' without server-side binding to a device identity or trusted Control UI path. This allowed shared-secret-authenticated backend clients to perform admin-only gateway operations, crossing intended authorization boundaries. The vulnerability affects OpenClaw versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.3.12. The issue was fixed in version 2026.3.12 by clearing unbound scopes for non-Control-UI shared-auth connections, with regression tests added to cover this path.
Potential Impact
An attacker with shared-secret authentication could escalate privileges by self-declaring elevated scopes, including admin-level access, allowing unauthorized execution of admin-only gateway operations. This represents a critical security breach impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the gateway.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in OpenClaw version 2026.3.12. Users should upgrade to this version or later to ensure the vulnerability is remediated. The patch clears unbound scopes for non-Control-UI shared-auth connections, preventing unauthorized scope elevation. No additional mitigation actions are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-22172
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245d112601ec6a3168004
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:53 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:15:36 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:36 UTC
Views: 2
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