WebSocket Scope Elevation in OpenClaw by OpenClaw
CVE-2026-53821

8.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Openclaw

Status
Openclaw
Vendor
CVE Published:
12 June 2026

What is CVE-2026-53821?

OpenClaw prior to version 2026.5.18 is susceptible to a scope elevation vulnerability within its WebSocket implementation. The system accepts operator scopes declared by clients before proper binding with server-approved pairing or trusted-proxy authorization. This oversight allows unpaired Control UI clients or those with restricted trusted-proxy access to obtain unnecessary cached administrative privileges over active WebSocket connections, which can lead to the execution of administrative-level Gateway RPCs, compromising system integrity.

Affected Version(s)

OpenClaw 0 < 2026.5.18

OpenClaw 2026.5.18

References

https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/...
vendor-advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-scope-eleva...
third-party-advisory

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)
.