Privilege Escalation in OpenClaw via Plugin Install Commands

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-62194 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in OpenClaw versions 2026.5.20 before 2026.6.9. It affects the plugin install commands in the OpenClaw plugin system.

The vulnerability allows lower-trust callers or misconfigured input paths to execute or persist actions beyond their intended authorization. This happens when the affected feature is enabled and reachable, potentially leading to unauthorized actions depending on the operator's configuration and input trust levels.

The issue stems from improper privilege management and missing authorization checks, which enable attackers to escalate privileges when the vulnerable feature is accessible.

• Affected versions: OpenClaw npm package versions between 2026.5.20 and 2026.6.9.
• Patched version: 2026.6.9.
• Weaknesses: CWE-269 (Improper Privilege Management) and CWE-862 (Missing Authorization).

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Detection Guidance

Detecting CVE-2026-62194 on your system or network involves checking for vulnerable versions of OpenClaw and verifying the configuration of the plugin installation functionality.

• Check the installed version of OpenClaw. The vulnerability affects versions from 2026.5.20 up to but not including 2026.6.9. You can verify the version by running the following command if OpenClaw is installed as an npm package: npm list openclaw.
• Review the OpenClaw configuration files or settings to determine if the affected plugin installation feature is enabled. Look for configurations that allow lower-trust callers to execute or persist actions.
• Inspect network traffic or logs for unusual plugin installation requests or unauthorized actions originating from lower-trust users. This may indicate exploitation attempts.
• Audit user permissions and authorization checks within OpenClaw to ensure that only trusted operators can access the plugin installation functionality.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can impact you in several ways if you are using an affected version of OpenClaw.

• Unauthorized actions: Attackers with lower trust levels can execute or persist actions beyond their intended permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in your system.
• Privilege escalation: Attackers can escalate their privileges, gaining access to sensitive operations or data they should not have access to.
• Impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability: The vulnerability has a high severity rating (CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8), meaning it can significantly affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your system.
• Risk of persistence: Attackers may maintain unauthorized access or persistence in your system if the vulnerability is exploited.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability can affect compliance with common standards and regulations in the following ways:

• GDPR: If the vulnerability leads to unauthorized access or disclosure of personal data, it could result in a violation of GDPR's data protection principles. GDPR requires organizations to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure data security, and a privilege escalation vulnerability may indicate a failure in these measures.
• HIPAA: For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or modification of PHI, violating HIPAA's Security Rule. The rule requires covered entities to implement safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI.
• General compliance risks: Many compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53) require proper access control and authorization mechanisms. This vulnerability, stemming from improper privilege management and missing authorization checks, could indicate non-compliance with such requirements.

To maintain compliance, organizations should apply the available patch, restrict the affected feature to trusted operators, or disable it when unnecessary, as recommended in the advisory.

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Mitigation Strategies

• Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.6.9 or later, as this version contains the patch for the vulnerability. You can update using the following command if OpenClaw is installed via npm: npm install [email protected].
• Restrict the affected plugin installation feature to trusted operators only. Modify the OpenClaw configuration to ensure that only authorized users can access this functionality.
• Disable the plugin installation feature entirely if it is not required for your operations. This eliminates the attack surface associated with the vulnerability.
• Implement general hardening practices such as narrowing channel and tool allowlists to limit exposure. Avoid sharing OpenClaw Gateways between untrusted users to reduce the risk of privilege escalation.
• Review and enforce strict input validation for plugin installation paths and configurations to prevent manipulation by lower-trust users.

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