Authorization Bypass in OpenClaw Plugin Install Wrappers

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-62193 is a vulnerability in OpenClaw versions 2026.6.5 before 2026.6.9. The issue lies in the plugin install wrappers, which may skip the install policy (authorization) check.

This means that when the affected feature is enabled and accessible, a lower-trust caller or a configured input path could execute or persist actions beyond their intended authorization level. The impact depends on how the operator has configured the system and whether lower-trust input can reach the vulnerable path.

The vulnerability has been fixed in version 2026.6.9.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking if your OpenClaw instance is running a vulnerable version (2026.6.5 to 2026.6.8) and whether the affected plugin install wrappers feature is enabled and reachable. Since the vulnerability involves skipped authorization checks, you may need to inspect the system for unexpected or unauthorized plugin installations or actions.

• Check the OpenClaw version: Verify the installed version of OpenClaw to confirm if it falls within the vulnerable range (2026.6.5 to 2026.6.8). This can typically be done via the application's CLI or admin interface.
• Review plugin installation logs: Look for any unusual or unauthorized plugin installations in the system logs, especially those that bypassed expected authorization checks.
• Inspect network traffic: If the affected feature is exposed over the network, monitor for unexpected requests to the plugin install endpoints that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Specific commands or tools for detection are not provided in the context, but you may use standard system auditing tools (e.g., log analyzers, network scanners) to identify suspicious activity related to plugin installations.

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Impact Analysis

The impact of this vulnerability depends on your system configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach the affected path. Potential risks include:

• Unauthorized execution of actions by lower-trust users or processes, leading to privilege escalation or unintended modifications.
• Persistence of unauthorized actions, which could allow malicious or unintended changes to remain in the system.
• If the affected feature is exposed to untrusted input, it could be exploited to bypass security controls and perform actions beyond the intended scope.

The CVSS v3.1 score of 4.9 (Medium) and CVSS v4.0 score of 6.9 (Medium) indicate that the vulnerability requires high privileges to exploit but could lead to significant integrity impacts (e.g., unauthorized modifications).

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance with standards and regulations in the following ways:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If the vulnerability leads to unauthorized access or modification of personal data, it could violate GDPR requirements for data integrity, confidentiality, and access controls (Articles 5, 25, and 32).
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): If the system processes protected health information (PHI) and the vulnerability allows unauthorized access or modifications, it could violate HIPAA's Security Rule, which mandates safeguards for electronic PHI (e.g., access controls, integrity controls).
• Other standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53): The vulnerability may violate requirements for access control, authorization, and system integrity, which are core components of these frameworks.

Failure to address this vulnerability could result in non-compliance, potential fines, or legal liabilities, depending on the data and systems affected.

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, follow these steps:

• Upgrade OpenClaw: Apply the patch by upgrading to version 2026.6.9 or later, as this version fixes the authorization check bypass issue.
• Disable the affected feature: If upgrading is not immediately possible, disable the plugin install wrappers feature or restrict access to it until the patch can be applied.
• Restrict access: Limit network access to the OpenClaw instance, especially for lower-trust users or systems that could exploit the vulnerability.
• Monitor for suspicious activity: Increase logging and monitoring for unauthorized plugin installations or actions, particularly those that bypass authorization checks.
• Review configurations: Ensure that the system's configuration does not allow lower-trust input to reach the affected path, as this could increase the risk of exploitation.

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