CVE-2026-33577: OpenClaw < 2026.3.28 - Insufficient Scope Validation in node.pair.approve
Summary
The node pairing approval path did not consistently enforce that the approving caller already held every scope requested by the node.
Impact
A lower-privileged operator could approve a pending node request for broader scopes and extend privileges onto the paired node.
Affected Component
src/infra/node-pairing.ts, src/gateway/server-methods/nodes.ts
Fixed Versions
- Affected: <= 2026.3.24 - Patched: >= 2026.3.28 - Latest stable 2026.3.28 contains the fix.
Fix
Fixed by commit 4d7cc6bb4f (gateway: restrict node pairing approvals).
Other sources
OpenClaw before 2026.3.28 contains an insufficient scope validation vulnerability in the node pairing approval path that allows low-privilege operators to approve nodes with broader scopes. Attackers can exploit missing callerScopes validation in node-pairing.ts to extend privileges onto paired nodes beyond their authorization level.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
npm/openclawto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2026.3.28 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenClawto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2026.3.28Patch 4d7cc6bb4f
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-33577?
CVE-2026-33577 is considered a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for allowing low-privilege users to approve nodes with excessive permissions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33577?
To mitigate CVE-2026-33577, upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.3.28 or later, where the insufficient scope validation has been addressed.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-33577?
Any users of OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.28 are affected by CVE-2026-33577 due to the insufficient scope validation in node pairing.
What are the potential impacts of exploiting CVE-2026-33577?
Exploitation of CVE-2026-33577 can lead to unauthorized node approvals, allowing attackers to gain broader access and control over the OpenClaw system.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-33577 before upgrading?
No documented workarounds are provided for CVE-2026-33577; upgrading to the fixed version is the recommended solution.