CVE-2026-53815: OpenClaw < 2026.5.19 - Channel Allowlist Bypass in Message Read Actions
Summary
Message read actions could skip channel allowlist checks. In affected versions, a lower-trust caller with access to the affected message read action could request messages without the same channel allowlist check used by normal delivery.
This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed.
Impact
When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could expose messages from a channel that was not intended for that caller. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path.
Patched Versions
The first stable patched version is 2026.5.19.
Mitigations
limit message read actions to trusted operators and keep channel allowlists narrow. As general hardening, keep channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.
Other sources
OpenClaw before 2026.5.19 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability in message read actions that skips channel allowlist checks. Lower-trust callers can request messages from channels not intended for them by exploiting insufficient validation in the affected feature, potentially exposing sensitive channel messages.
— NVD
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
npm/openclawto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2026.5.19 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OpenClawto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 2026.5.19 - Configuration
Disable the affected feature when it is not needed so lower-trust callers cannot exploit insufficient validation to request messages from channels not intended for them.
OpenClaw affected message read feature = enabled only when needed - Compensating control
Limit message read actions to trusted operators and keep channel allowlists narrow (ensure lower-trust callers cannot reach the message read action path).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53815?
CVE-2026-53815 has a severity rating of 7.1, categorized as high.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53815?
To fix CVE-2026-53815, update OpenClaw to version 2026.5.19 or later.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-53815?
CVE-2026-53815 is an authorization bypass vulnerability affecting message read actions in OpenClaw.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-53815?
CVE-2026-53815 can allow lower-trust callers to access messages from unauthorized channels, potentially exposing sensitive information.
What software is affected by CVE-2026-53815?
CVE-2026-53815 affects OpenClaw and OpenClaw Openclaw Node.js.