CVE-2026-53850: OpenClaw < 2026.4.25 - Control Scope Enforcement Bypass in Focus Command
Summary
Focus command could miss controlScope enforcement. In affected versions, a caller able to trigger the focus command could run the command without enforcing the expected control scope.
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 change focus state outside the intended caller authority. 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 2026.4.25.
Mitigations
restrict focus command access to trusted operators until patched. 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 2026.4.25 contains a control scope enforcement bypass vulnerability in the focus command that allows authenticated callers to execute the command without proper authorization checks. Attackers can trigger the focus command to change focus state outside intended caller authority, potentially enabling unauthorized operations depending on gateway configuration and input trust levels.
— 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 2026.4.25 - Configuration
Restrict access to the focus command so that only trusted Gateway operators can invoke it until systems are upgraded to 2026.4.25.
OpenClaw (focus command) focus_command_access = trusted_operators_only - Configuration
Disable the affected focus feature when it is not required to prevent reachability of the vulnerable code path.
OpenClaw (focus feature) focus_feature_enabled = false - Configuration
Keep channel and tool allowlists narrow to reduce exposure of the focus command and other sensitive operations.
OpenClaw Gateway channel_and_tool_allowlist = narrow - Compensating control
Avoid sharing a single Gateway instance between mutually untrusted users; isolate Gateways or restrict tenancy to trusted parties until the fixed version is deployed.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53850?
The severity of CVE-2026-53850 is medium, with a score of 6.8.
What are the affected versions of CVE-2026-53850?
CVE-2026-53850 affects OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.4.25.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53850?
To fix CVE-2026-53850, update OpenClaw to version 2026.4.25 or later.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-53850?
CVE-2026-53850 allows a caller to bypass control scope enforcement when triggering the focus command.
Is CVE-2026-53850 specific to any particular configuration?
Yes, CVE-2026-53850 is scoped to the named feature and configuration related to the focus command.