CVE-2026-53838

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

State Mutation Vulnerability in OpenClaw Node Pairing Reconnection

Publication date: 2026-06-12

Last updated on: 2026-06-16

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

OpenClaw before 2026.5.27 contains a state mutation vulnerability in node pairing reconnection that allows paired nodes to confuse approval scope decisions. Attackers can exploit reconnection logic to restore or present broader node authority than intended, potentially bypassing approval restrictions.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-06-12

Last Modified

2026-06-16

Generated

2026-07-03

AI Q&A

2026-06-13

EPSS Evaluated

2026-07-02

NVD

CVE-2026-53838

EUVD

EUVD-2026-36626

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
openclaw	openclaw	to 2026.5.27 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-367	The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in OpenClaw versions before 2026.5.27 and involves a state mutation issue in the node pairing reconnection process.

Specifically, paired nodes can exploit the reconnection logic to confuse approval scope decisions, allowing them to restore or present broader node authority than originally intended.

This means attackers can bypass approval restrictions by manipulating how nodes reconnect and re-establish their permissions.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can allow attackers to gain broader authority within the system than they should have.

By exploiting the reconnection logic, attackers may bypass approval restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or access.

This can compromise the integrity and security of the system by allowing malicious nodes to operate with elevated privileges.

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