Owner Context Spoofing Vulnerability in OpenClaw by OpenClaw

CVE-2026-44118

What is CVE-2026-44118?

CVE-2026-44118 is a vulnerability found in OpenClaw, an open-source tool used for managing various server-side operations and facilitating interactions between clients and servers. This specific vulnerability involves owner context spoofing, where non-owner clients can manipulate server-issued bearer tokens within request headers to falsely present themselves as the legitimate owner of certain operations. This manipulation enables unauthorized users to bypass security measures that restrict access to sensitive operations, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and control over server functionalities.

The vulnerability was introduced in versions of OpenClaw prior to 2026.4.22 and is rooted in the handling of the sender-owner header metadata. As a result, organizations relying on OpenClaw can face severe consequences if they do not address this vulnerability promptly, as it undermines the fundamental security model upon which the tool is built.

Potential impact of CVE-2026-44118

1. Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Operations: Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to operations that are typically restricted to legitimate owners, potentially compromising sensitive data and server functionalities.

2. Bypassing Security Controls: The ability to manipulate bearer tokens allows malicious actors to bypass critical security measures in place, leading to an increased risk of exploitation and data breaches.

3. Operational Integrity at Risk: Organizations may suffer from operational disruptions and integrity issues due to unauthorized changes or actions taken by malicious actors posing as legitimate users, which can impact business processes and trust.

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