Openclaw cli: OpenClaw's ACP child sessions inherit subagent security envelope constraints (CVE-2026-44997)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions up to 2026.4.21 have a vulnerability where ACP child sessions do not properly inherit subagent security envelope constraints. This can cause restrictions such as depth limits, child-count limits, control scope, or target-agent restrictions to be bypassed in child sessions. The issue is fixed in version 2026.4.22, which enforces these constraints correctly for child ACP sessions.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in OpenClaw CLI (npm package) affects versions from 2026.1.29 up to but not including 2026.4.22. ACP child sessions spawned by a restricted subagent could fail to carry forward subagent-only security envelope constraints, including depth, child-count limits, control scope, and target-agent restrictions. This flaw could allow child sessions to operate without the intended security restrictions. The fix, included in version 2026.4.22, ensures that child subagent envelope fields are resolved and persisted, maximum depth and active-child caps are enforced, and the inherited control scope is applied to child ACP sessions.
Potential Impact
The impact is that security constraints intended to restrict subagent behavior may not be enforced in ACP child sessions, potentially allowing those child sessions to exceed limits on depth, number of active children, control scope, or target-agent restrictions. This could weaken the security posture of the system by allowing unintended actions or resource usage within child sessions.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in OpenClaw CLI version 2026.4.22. Users should upgrade to this version or later to ensure that ACP child sessions properly inherit and enforce subagent security envelope constraints. No additional mitigation is required beyond applying this official fix.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-44997
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ac2459012601ec6a31641e4
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:24:48 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:39:12 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:38 UTC
Views: 2
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