CVE-2026-102807 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2026
OpenClaw before 2026.9.4 contains an incorrect authorization vulnerability in the mcp.app.view method that allows read-scoped operators to execute MCP App tools requiring operator.write scope. Attackers with operator.read tokens can obtain a standalone ticket from mcp.app.view and redeem it at the MCP app view endpoint to invoke state-changing tools without proper authorization checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2026
The vulnerability identified in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.9.4 represents a critical failure in access control logic, specifically classified under CWE-862 Missing Authorization. This flaw resides within the mcp.app.view method and exploits a discrepancy between token scopes and actual permission enforcement mechanisms. The core issue arises from an improper separation of duties where read-scoped operators are inadvertently granted capabilities that exceed their designated privileges. Specifically, attackers possessing only operator.read tokens can interact with the system to obtain a standalone ticket through the mcp.app.view endpoint. This ticket is then redeemable at the MCP app view endpoint, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries and allowing the invocation of state-changing tools that strictly require an operator.write scope for legitimate execution.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability facilitates an unauthorized privilege escalation scenario where low-privilege users can perform high-impact actions without authentication or authorization checks validating their actual permissions. The attack chain begins with the acquisition of a read-only token, which is typically restricted to non-destructive operations such as viewing data or configuration states. However, by leveraging the mcp.app.view method, an attacker generates a standalone ticket that serves as a vehicle for executing commands requiring write access. This mechanism bypasses standard role-based access control checks because the system fails to validate whether the entity presenting the ticket possesses the necessary operator.write permissions before allowing state-modifying operations. Consequently, this leads to CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management, as the application does not enforce least privilege principles during tool execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly in environments where data integrity and system stability are paramount. An attacker with read-only access can manipulate application state, modify configurations, or trigger actions that alter the underlying infrastructure without detection by standard audit logs tied to write permissions. This undermines the trust model of the OpenClaw platform, allowing malicious actors to disrupt services, exfiltrate sensitive information indirectly through side effects, or establish persistence mechanisms using tools intended for administrative use only. In multi-tenant environments, this could lead to cross-account contamination if isolation boundaries rely on these authorization checks. The ability to execute state-changing operations without proper oversight also complicates forensic analysis and incident response efforts, as the actions appear legitimate within the context of the MCP app view endpoint despite originating from an unauthorized source.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate patching to version 2026.9.4 or later is required, as these versions address the flawed authorization logic in the mcp.app.view method. In addition to updating software, organizations should implement strict input validation and ensure that all API endpoints perform comprehensive permission checks against the actual privileges of the authenticated user rather than relying solely on token validity or intermediate tickets. It is advisable to adopt a defense-in-depth strategy by integrating runtime application self-protection mechanisms that monitor for anomalous privilege escalation patterns. Furthermore, auditing existing access control policies to align with CWE-269 best practices will help prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Security teams should also review logging and monitoring configurations to detect attempts to exploit this specific attack vector, ensuring that any unauthorized use of read-scoped tokens to generate standalone tickets is flagged for immediate investigation. This approach aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and abuse of service permissions, reinforcing the need for robust identity and access management frameworks in cloud-native applications.