Authorization Bypass in OpenClaw via Web Search

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-62198 is an authorization bypass vulnerability in OpenClaw versions 2026.5.28 before 2026.6.6. The issue exists in the native web search functionality, where incorrect authorization checks allow lower-trust callers or misconfigured input paths to perform actions that should require stronger policy checks.

Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating input paths to bypass intended security controls, enabling them to execute restricted operations without proper permissions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control).

• Affected versions: OpenClaw 2026.5.28 up to but not including 2026.6.6.
• Severity: Medium, with CVSS v4.0 score of 5.3 and CVSS v3.1 score of 4.3.
• Exploitation requires low privileges and no user interaction, but it can be performed over a network.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking the installed version of OpenClaw and verifying if it falls within the affected range (2026.5.28 to before 2026.6.6).

• Check the OpenClaw version using the command: `openclaw --version` or by inspecting the installation directory for version metadata.
• Review network logs for unusual access patterns to the native web search functionality, particularly requests from lower-privileged users attempting to perform restricted operations.
• Inspect OpenClaw configuration files for misconfigured input paths that could allow unauthorized access to the web search feature.

No specific commands for active exploitation detection are provided in the resources, but monitoring for unexpected authorization bypasses in logs may help identify exploitation attempts.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can impact you if you use an affected version of OpenClaw (2026.5.28 to 2026.6.5). The primary risk is unauthorized access to restricted operations, which could lead to several consequences.

• Lower-privileged users or attackers may perform actions that should require higher-level permissions, potentially leading to data exposure or unauthorized modifications.
• If the native web search feature is misconfigured, attackers could exploit input paths to bypass security controls, increasing the risk of unauthorized operations.
• The impact depends on your configuration and whether untrusted input can reach the affected feature. If exploited, it could compromise the integrity or confidentiality of your system.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could affect compliance with common standards and regulations, depending on how OpenClaw is used in your environment.

• GDPR: If OpenClaw processes personal data of EU citizens, unauthorized access due to this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, violating GDPR requirements for data protection and access control. This may result in non-compliance penalties.
• HIPAA: If OpenClaw is used in a healthcare setting to handle protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating HIPAA's security and privacy rules. This may lead to compliance violations and potential fines.
• Other standards: The vulnerability may also conflict with requirements in frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, or PCI DSS, which mandate proper access controls and authorization mechanisms to protect sensitive data.

To maintain compliance, it is critical to apply the available patch (version 2026.6.6 or later) or implement mitigations such as restricting the feature to trusted operators or disabling it when not needed.

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Mitigation Strategies

• Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.6.6 or later, as this version contains the patch for the vulnerability.
• If upgrading is not immediately possible, restrict access to the native web search feature to trusted operators only.
• Disable the native web search feature entirely if it is not required for operations.
• Review and enforce strict authorization policies for all input paths to prevent lower-trust callers from accessing restricted operations.

Monitor systems for signs of exploitation, such as unauthorized access attempts or unexpected changes in permissions, until the patch is applied.

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