OpenClaw < 2026.5.18 - Scope Elevation in trusted-proxy Control UI WebSocket
CVE-2026-53821
8.7HIGH
What is CVE-2026-53821?
OpenClaw before 2026.5.18 accepts WebSocket client-declared operator scopes before binding to server-approved pairing or trusted-proxy authorization baseline. Unpaired or restricted trusted-proxy Control UI clients can obtain cached operator.admin authority on live WebSocket connections to execute admin-gated Gateway RPCs.
Affected Version(s)
OpenClaw 0 < 2026.5.18
OpenClaw 2026.5.18
References
CVSS V4
Score:
8.7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None
Timeline
Vulnerability published
Vulnerability Reserved
Credit
Ad Actum (@adactum)
Andres Murillo (@handmilkingsoftware)
