CVE-2026-53818
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Authorization Bypass in OpenClaw MCP Loopback Feature

Publication date: 2026-06-11

Last updated on: 2026-06-12

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
OpenClaw before 2026.4.24 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability in the MCP loopback feature that allows non-owner callers to skip owner-only tool policies and before-tool-call hooks. Attackers can invoke owner-only behavior through the affected loopback path to execute restricted tools when the feature is enabled and reachable.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-06-11
Last Modified
2026-06-12
Generated
2026-07-02
AI Q&A
2026-06-12
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-30
NVD
CVE-2026-53818

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
openclaw openclaw to 2026.4.24 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-862 The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.

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Compliance Impact

The provided information does not explicitly address how CVE-2026-53818 affects compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.4.24 when the MCP loopback feature is enabled and reachable. Detection involves verifying if the vulnerable OpenClaw version is in use and if the MCP loopback feature is enabled.

You can check the OpenClaw version installed on your system to determine if it is prior to 2026.4.24.

  • Run a command to check the OpenClaw version, for example: `openclaw --version` or `openclaw -v`.

Additionally, verify if the MCP loopback feature is enabled and accessible, as the vulnerability only applies when this feature is active.

  • Check OpenClaw configuration files or settings related to MCP loopback to confirm if it is enabled.

Since the vulnerability allows non-owner callers to bypass owner-only tool policies via the loopback path, monitoring for unusual or unauthorized tool executions through this path may also help detect exploitation attempts.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in OpenClaw versions before 2026.4.24 and involves an authorization bypass in the MCP loopback feature. It allows non-owner users to bypass owner-only tool policies and hooks that normally restrict access. Attackers can exploit this loopback path to execute tools that should only be accessible to the owner when the feature is enabled and reachable.

Impact Analysis

The impact of this vulnerability is that unauthorized users with limited privileges can gain access to restricted tools and perform actions that are normally reserved for the owner. This can lead to unauthorized execution of sensitive operations, potentially compromising system integrity and security.

Mitigation Strategies

The primary mitigation step is to update OpenClaw to version 2026.4.24 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed.

If immediate updating is not possible, restrict access to the MCP loopback feature to trusted operators only.

  • Disable the MCP loopback feature if it is not needed.
  • Keep channel and tool allowlists narrow to limit exposure.
  • Avoid sharing Gateways between untrusted users to reduce risk.

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