CVE-2026-43579 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 05/06/2026
OpenClaw before 2026.4.10 contains an insufficient access control vulnerability in Nostr plugin HTTP profile routes that allows operators with write permissions to persist profile configuration without requiring admin authority. Attackers with operator.write scope can modify Nostr profile settings through unprotected mutation endpoints to gain unauthorized configuration persistence.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The OpenClaw software ecosystem presents a critical access control vulnerability in its Nostr plugin HTTP profile routes that undermines the security model of the platform. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2026.4.10 and specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms governing profile configuration modifications. The flaw allows malicious actors with operator.write scope permissions to bypass normal administrative controls and persist profile configurations without requiring elevated administrative authority. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and role-based access control that forms the foundation of secure software architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions within the Nostr plugin's HTTP endpoints. When operators with write permissions attempt to modify profile settings through mutation endpoints, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges required for persistent configuration changes. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface where unauthorized modifications can be made to profile configurations without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects HTTP profile routes that handle Nostr plugin configurations, making it accessible through standard network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables persistent unauthorized access to critical system configuration parameters. Attackers who gain operator.write scope can leverage this vulnerability to modify profile settings that may affect system behavior, data handling, or integration with external services. The persistence aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to maintain their unauthorized modifications across system restarts or configuration reloads. This capability significantly increases the attack surface and provides attackers with long-term access to potentially sensitive system parameters that should only be modifiable by authorized administrators.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses insufficient access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as privilege escalation through application misconfiguration, specifically targeting the privilege escalation technique where attackers leverage existing permissions to gain elevated access. Organizations implementing OpenClaw should immediately implement patches addressing the vulnerability in versions 2026.4.10 and later. The recommended mitigations include enforcing proper authorization checks on all mutation endpoints, implementing comprehensive audit logging of profile configuration changes, and conducting regular security assessments of plugin integration points. Additionally, organizations should review their existing operator.write scope assignments and ensure that such permissions are strictly limited to trusted personnel who require these capabilities for legitimate operational purposes.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of comprehensive security testing for plugin architectures and the need for robust authorization frameworks that properly validate user permissions at every interaction point. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights in plugin implementations can create significant security risks that may persist across multiple system components and affect overall platform integrity. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized profile configuration changes, as the persistence capability of this vulnerability makes it particularly challenging to identify and remediate after initial compromise.