CVE-2026-62225 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2026
OpenClaw versions before 2026.5.18 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability in skill command dispatch that allows lower-trust callers to execute or persist actions beyond their intended authorization. Attackers can bypass tool policy restrictions through configured input paths to perform unauthorized actions when the affected feature is enabled and reachable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2026
The OpenClaw authorization bypass vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of access control mechanisms within the system's skill command dispatch functionality. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 2026.5.18 and specifically targets the authorization enforcement logic that governs how different trust levels interact with system capabilities. The flaw manifests when lower-trust callers exploit configured input paths to circumvent tool policy restrictions that should normally prevent them from executing or persisting actions beyond their intended authorization levels.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of caller credentials and trust levels during skill command processing. When the affected feature remains enabled and reachable, malicious actors can manipulate input parameters through carefully crafted paths that bypass normal authorization checks. This allows unauthorized execution of commands that should only be accessible to higher-privilege users or trusted components within the system architecture. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper access control and inadequate input sanitization, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this authorization bypass vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to include potential persistence mechanisms that could allow attackers to maintain access even after initial compromise. Attackers leveraging this flaw can perform unauthorized actions that may include data manipulation, system configuration changes, or access to sensitive information that normally requires elevated privileges. The vulnerability's reach is amplified when the affected skill command dispatch feature remains accessible over network interfaces or when it processes untrusted input from external sources.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which falls under the broader category of access control weaknesses in software systems. The attack surface aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078: Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage legitimate user credentials or system components to gain unauthorized access to restricted functions. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation, enforcing strict authorization checks at every interaction point, and ensuring that all trust levels are properly enforced through multi-factor authentication mechanisms.
Recommended remediation includes upgrading to OpenClaw version 2026.5.18 or later, which contains patched authorization controls and enhanced input validation routines. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected skill command dispatch functionality, conduct thorough penetration testing to identify potential exploitation paths, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, security teams must review existing tool policies and trust models to ensure that all system components properly enforce authorization boundaries and that no legacy configurations inadvertently maintain weak access controls that could be exploited through similar pathways.