Description
OpenClaw before 2026.5.18 contains a scope bypass vulnerability in the Gateway chat.send route that allows scoped clients to execute privileged commands. Attackers with operator.write scope can deliver commands through inherited external routes to bypass operator.approvals and operator.admin scope requirements, enabling unauthorized plugin, config, MCP, allowlist, and ACP mutations.
Affected products
openclaw: openclaw
References2
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-hw9r-h9mr… MitigationVendor Advisory
- www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-scope-bypass-via-inherite… Third Party Advisory
Metrics
- CVSS 3.1
-
8.8
HIGH
Score source: CNA
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - CVSS 4.0
-
8.7
HIGH
Score source: CNA
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X - EPSS — exploit probability
- 0% percentile: 17 · as of 15 November 2026
- CWE
- CWE-863
Could this be exploited in your environment?
A patch closes the known hole. A penetration test shows what an attacker can still reach — with proof.