CVE-2026-43574
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Improper Authorization in OpenClaw Before 2026.4.12

Publication date: 2026-05-05

Last updated on: 2026-05-07

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
OpenClaw before 2026.4.12 contains an improper authorization vulnerability in helper-backed channels where empty resolved approver lists are interpreted as explicit approval authorization. Attackers can resolve pending approvals without proper authorization by exploiting this logic flaw if they know an approval id.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-05
Last Modified
2026-05-07
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-05
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-43574
EUVD
EUVD-2026-27299
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
openclaw openclaw to 2026.4.12 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-183 The product implements a protection mechanism that relies on a list of inputs (or properties of inputs) that are explicitly allowed by policy because the inputs are assumed to be safe, but the list is too permissive - that is, it allows an input that is unsafe, leading to resultant weaknesses.
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Compliance Impact

The provided information does not specify how this vulnerability affects compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the vulnerability in OpenClaw before version 2026.4.12, you should upgrade your OpenClaw installation to version 2026.4.12 or later, such as 2026.4.14, where the issue has been patched.

This update prevents empty approver lists from being interpreted as explicit approval authorization, thereby blocking attackers from resolving pending approvals without proper authorization.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in OpenClaw versions before 2026.4.12 and involves an improper authorization issue in helper-backed channels.

Specifically, when the list of resolved approvers is empty, the system incorrectly interprets this as explicit approval authorization.

As a result, attackers who know an approval ID can exploit this logic flaw to resolve pending approvals without having proper authorization.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can allow unauthorized users to bypass normal approval processes by exploiting the improper authorization logic.

Attackers with knowledge of an approval ID can resolve pending approvals without permission, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or changes within the system.

This can undermine the integrity of approval workflows and may result in security breaches or misuse of privileges.

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