CVE-2026-22172: OpenClaw < 2026.3.12 - Scope Elevation in WebSocket Shared-Auth Connections

Published Mar 20, 2026
·
Updated

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.12 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability in the WebSocket connect path that allows shared-token or password-authenticated connections to self-declare elevated scopes without server-side binding. Attackers can exploit this logic flaw to present unauthorized scopes such as operator.admin and perform admin-only gateway operations.

Affected Software

2 affected components
OpenClaw OpenClaw<2026.3.12
OpenClaw Openclaw Node.js<2026.3.12

Event History

Mar 20, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:48 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:48 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
Affected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-22172?

CVE-2026-22172 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to the potential for unauthorized scope elevation.

2

What causes CVE-2026-22172?

CVE-2026-22172 arises from an authorization bypass vulnerability in the WebSocket connect path in OpenClaw.

3

How do I fix CVE-2026-22172?

To mitigate CVE-2026-22172, upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.3.12 or later.

4

What versions of OpenClaw are affected by CVE-2026-22172?

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.12 are affected by CVE-2026-22172.

5

What type of applications are impacted by CVE-2026-22172?

CVE-2026-22172 impacts applications utilizing WebSocket shared-auth connections in OpenClaw.

Contact

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